Multiple POD units for efficient vessel handling in wind farm operations

Summary

Volvo Penta IPS propulsion systems with forward facing contra rotating propellers have proven themself to be very successful in WFSV Wind Farm Support Vessels in the 16-19 m range. The high fuel efficiency during high speed transfer from shore to offshore site, the manoeuvrability advantages with active rudders and the high zero speed thrust with controlled exhaust temperatures has helped the operators and the vessels helmsmen to fulfil their missions of transferring crew, technicians, service engineers and fuel out to the wind farm locations in the roughest weather conditions. Now, when the operators are designing and building vessels for the new fields with much longer distances to go from nearest harbour, the multi-engine lay out with 4 engines has been recognized as one of the best concept to ensure high redundancy for the vessel operations and minimize the risk of costly down times for the wind farm operators. With Volvo Penta Quadruple IPS installation all the features of the IPS system, including active manoeuvring in high seas, no risk of losing grip in water in bollard push against the wind farm pylon and reduced fuel consumption compared with fixed pitch propellers and waterjets, are available for the 24-30 m range of WFSV. The paper will show the calculations of speed and thrust for different vessels type as well as different lay-outs of the IPS system in a multiple engine application. Experience from WFSV operation with Volvo Pentas engines and prop system will also be presented with load factors and experience from real duties.

REFERENCES

Photos of NOS Northern Offshore Services are taken from www.n-o-s.eu

Photos of WINDCAT workboats are taken from www.windcatworkboats.com