GOING GLOBAL
T his growth is presenting new challenges that must be overcome to achieve the global output required. Entering new geographies is one of these – for example, in the US alone over 40 major projects are planned, generating 40GW by 2040. Alongside this, in seeking higher wind speeds for maximum efficiencies, turbines have grown in size and weight. 10MW turbines are now common, with the largest approaching 175m and a combined weight of over 5,000t including foundations. The movement of such goliath items from fabrication to port facilities and readying them for assembly is a huge engineering endeavor. Not only in terms of the equipment needed – the hub height of modern turbines is beyond the reach of many cranes – but also the availability of port facilities that have suitable space and ground conditions to accommodate increased weights. In many ways, the US embodies the growing pains faced globally as the sector continues to expand. More facilities and different types of equipment are now needed; a whole new skilled workforce must be found, and the geographic demands of an industry still largely centered in Europe must be overcome. INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGES First, ports must have the right infrastructure to handle the growing size of components. Nacelles are approaching 1000t; blades for 10MW turbines exceed 100m in length and tower sections are of a similar size. The necessary deep-water ports are very hard to find, even in fully developed economies. In regions such as the Northeast US – perfectly familiar with seagoing cargo – offshore wind projects find themselves short of space. This can be compounded further by a lack of suitable ground strength - with 10t/m 2 typically available versus the 25t/ m 2 needed for the movement of modern offshore wind components. Container terminals are increasingly being considered for use, but capacity is an issue as they will only offer part of the terminal and there is also risk as availability is contingent on fluctuating demand from their core businesses. Unfortunately, given the pace of growth facilities are unlikely to have the luxury of time to make permanent
WHY MAMMOET? • 50 years of experience in complex offshore energy projects • More equipment in more countries than any other supplier • Familiar with many scopes, from fabrication yard to installation vessel • We manage complex global logistics projects on a daily basis • Large selection of large ring cranes capable of turbine pre-assembly and jacket load-outs • Expertise in strengthening
quays, building storage facilities and chartering vessels
• Sustainability
developments including electric transportation, emissions-free cranes, alternate fuels • Highest concentration of heavy lift engineering, with over 140 worldwide locations • Global knowledge, local experience: blending knowledge of local customs
THE MASSIVE POTENTIAL OF OFFSHOREWIND IN HELPING TO ACHIEVE NET ZERO HAS MEANT THE SECTOR HAS SEEN EXCEPTIONAL GROWTH IN RECENT TIMES. ACCORDING TO THE IEA, THE GLOBAL MARKET GREWANNUALLY BY NEARLY 30%BETWEEN 2010 AND 2018, AND CUMULATIVE OFFSHORE CAPACITY IS SET TOMORE THAN TRIPLE BY 2026, REACHING ALMOST 120GW.
and legislation with the highest safety standards
• The only heavy lifting company with a dedicated R&D department working on offshore wind solutions • Single point of contact – one face managing projects that cross continents • Early engagement with local communities
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