Offshore Wind Farms

The growth of wind power in Europe is running out of space. Logically, the next step is to develop offshore wind farms at sea.

Offshore Wind Farms

The increased research activity and media glare, of the ill effects of conventional energy sources, has called upon the scientists and researchers to look for an increased use of non-conventional energy source.

With ever increasing requirement of land needed for installing wind mills, it is now imperative to tap our hammer on those watery part of earth. Of course, 33% of earth surface is sea.Europe has taken a good tread in this regard by utilizing its seabed as a platform for Wind Farms.

These structures are installed deep in the seabed, several kilometers off the coast. Unlikely to their counterparts installed on land, those at sea can utilize more of the wind power as they stand in an unhindered free-standing area.

But the real challenge faced in the installation of such wind farms is the requirement of a stable ship that can efficiently handle the construction of the wind turbines themselves, with their tower, power house and rotor blades, requiring elaborate assembly. Least to be said, the construction of stable foundation in the seabed, at a depth of around 60 meters.

Aeolus at Sea

In a bid to answer these questions, the German shipyard, Sietas in Hamburg, has recently handed over the ship named AEOLUS. The Aeolus is an innovative and advanced transport and installation vessel for the placement of wind turbines at sea. It was christened in June 2014 and is owned by Van Oord .






The 139 meters long dedicated ship poses a set of four columns(or legs) that can be lowered onto the seabed giving the vessel a stable platform support to take up the daunting task of the installation.With a draft of 5.7 meters and cruising speed of 12 knots the ship is equipped with a large crane which can lift more than 900 tons of cargo and two smaller cranes of 20 tons.The vessel offers accommodation for up to 75 people.

Aeolus in Action

The ship has four legs ( jack-up ), 81 meters long and a diameter of 4.5 meters. The ship can operate in water depth of up to 55 m. The four legs, two at the tap and two feet behind the bridge, stand up as the ship sails. Once arrived at the location the legs are lowered to the sea bottom. When the ship is on legs, waves has no effect on the ship and it can easily install the wind mills.

Measuring 139 m in length, 38 m in the beam, and with a design draught of 5.7 m, the Aeolus is fitted with a crane capable of lifting 990 tonnes. Aeolus, since the time of it's commissioning has successfully undertaken a project requiring the installation of windmills at the Eneco Luchterduinen wind farm. 23 kilometers off the coast of Dutch Province of South Holland.

Animation of offshore wind turbine installation vessel Aeolus

Similar projects reflecting technological improvements with a sustainable future will be an investment for our future generation. The lead is now, for others to follow.