Innovative Wide Barge Design Promises Cost-Effective Offshore Wind Turbine Installation
Researchers from SINTEF, in collaboration with Aker Solutions, Sarens, and BOA, are testing a new method for installing offshore wind turbine foundations using an extra-wide barge. This barge, measuring 166 meters long and over 73 meters wide, can transport multiple substructures simultaneously, potentially eliminating the need for large crane vessels. The barge can be lowered to a depth of over 30 meters, allowing for the cargo to be floated out or lifted using smaller, more accessible vessels. Initial tests conducted at SINTEF’s Ocean Basin in Trondheim have shown promising results, aligning well with prior numerical analyses. 
