Kongsberg Maritime has just presented a whole series of new technologies aimed at optimising and automating the transport and installation of floating offshore wind turbines. These innovations cover the entire process, from the laying of anchors and mooring lines to the electrical connection of the turbines to the grid.

The aim is to improve the efficiency and safety of operations while reducing installation costs and times.

According to Gunnar Thorsen, Vice-President of Kongsberg Maritime, these advances mark a turning point in the industrialisation of floating wind power, offering a comprehensive approach that could also benefit other sectors, particularly the oil and gas industry.

Four major innovations for the installation of floating wind turbines

1. Design of new specialised vessels
   Kongsberg Maritime has developed two types of vessels adapted to the specific challenges of deploying floating wind turbines.

• The UT 7900 FWIV AH, designed for anchor and mooring line management, is equipped with a triple winch that can tension three lines simultaneously, thus reducing energy consumption.
• The UT 7600 FWIV Subsea, equipped for the storage, handling and deployment of large-scale anchoring elements, is particularly suitable for mass operations.

1. Tow Assist: an innovative system for turbine towing
   The Tow Assist system combines Kongsberg Dynamic Positioning (DP) with operational analysis tools to improve the safety and efficiency of towing. Successfully tested in the North Sea, it allows non-motorised floating structures to benefit from precise control thanks to an optimised distribution of forces between the tugs.
2. Automated mooring line tensioning system
   The concept of integrated tension facilitates the mooring of wind turbines by compensating for relative movements between the float and the vessel. This technology is based on permanent magnet winches (PM), capable of quickly adjusting the tension of the lines while minimising excessive loads and operational risks.
3. A new system for connecting electrical cables
   Kongsberg Maritime's patented innovation for connecting cables makes it possible to avoid installing equipment on floating turbines, thus reducing the risks associated with lifting equipment and transferring personnel. By placing all the traction systems on the vessel, this solution speeds up the process and allows for continuous operations, regardless of weather conditions.

A step towards faster and safer installation

These technical advances aim to accelerate and standardise the development of floating wind farms, improving safety, efficiency and resilience in the face of climatic constraints. Kongsberg Maritime thus intends to revolutionise the sector by facilitating the installation of this infrastructure over vast maritime areas.