Expertise
NETSCo has been providing engineering services to the offshore energy market for more than 36 years.
With America’s new commitment to invest heavily in support of building offshore wind platforms from coast to coast, specialized Jones Act-compliant Wind Turbine Installation Vessel’s (WTIV) are needed for this construction.
NETSCo’s team of professionals are developing a of a cost-effective, innovative WTIV, with primary focus of supporting planned turbine installations in the North East Coast of the United States (U.S.).
NETSCo has also developed concepts to convert existing vessel’s that have been in lay-up during this economic downturn in the offshore market which allows shipowners an unconventional, but cost-effective solution to better support the offshore wind turbine market with a Jones Act-qualified vessel alternative.
Some of the concepts the NETSCo is working on includes:
- Converting OSV into SOV.
- Converting existing Ocean Deck Barges into Feeder / Shuttle vessel.
NETSCo services include:
- Vessel Feasibility Study
- Detailed Engineering
- Shipyard Contracts Negotiation
- Project Management
Transport Wind Turbine Towers on a Barge
NETSCo was approached by the client with a specific requirement to transport wind turbine towers on a barge, while ensuring maximum load capacity and safety. In response, we carried out a series of structural and stability analyses to verify the feasibility of the project and provide our clients with a robust solution. This case study presents the project in detail, including the challenges faced, solutions proposed, and the final outcome of the project.
Transporting heavy load cargo such as a wind turbine tower on a barge is a challenging task. Ensuring the safety of the cargo and vessel while offering maximum load capacity are essential factors that needed to be addressed. In addition, there were many other issues that we had to consider, including wind forces, vessel accelerations in a seaway, barge stability, and cargo lashing forces.
To address the client’s requirements, we: estimated seaway accelerations; carried out numerous structural calculations on the securing apparatuses; created cargo layouts, and drawings; and calculated lashing forces and sized the chain and fasteners required to secure the cargo. To ascertain the barge’s safety, we carried out structural calculations to determine the limits of the barge’s framing. To maximize the load capacity, we thoroughly analyzed the arrangements, dunnage required, and the structural limits, which helped us understand how and where to place the towers on the barge to make sure that the barge’s stability was adequate for the anticipated shipping route.
Once we had concluded that adequate safety measures had been put in place, we designed a special securing apparatus specifically for this project. Our team created detailed drawings that provided a layout of the cargo and securing requirements, essential to the success of the project.
Our final design allowed us to transport the components for three wind turbine towers per voyage using two barges, while ensuring maximum load capacity and maintaining safety throughout the journey. We were able to achieve this limit through careful consideration of various factors such as strength and safety margin calculations, and other parameters related to stability.
Through careful analysis, design and development, NETSCo was successful in meeting its client’s requirements in transporting wind turbine towers via deck barge on the Great Lakes. Our approach and solutions ensure that the project was completed safely and within budget. NETSCo’s experience and knowledge in providing engineering services relevant to the maritime industry were also instrumental in achieving this successful outcome. We continuously aim to exceed client expectations and solve complex challenges within strict timeframes to deliver exceptional results.
