INSTALLER

The INSTALLER project is an Innovation Project for the Industrial Sector (IPN) financed by project participants and the Research Council of Norway under the large-scale programme for energy research (ENERGIX). The project period is from 2018 to 2020.

The design of equipment and methods currently used for installation of offshore wind turbines (OWTs) have, to a large extent, migrated from land-based or close to shore construction technologies, mainly relying on jack-up vessels with limitations regarding maximum sea depth (< 60-70 meters). This makes realizing a cost-efficient up-scaling of today's technology to handle installation of larger turbines at greater depths, practically impossible.

The proposed new disruptive installation concept - INSTALLER - is based on; (1) a motion compensated crane; (2) a wind turbine jacking system; (3) a blade installation tool; (4) appropriate vessels concepts; and (5) corresponding transportation and assembly line. The combined technology enables a module-based tower and turbine erection from the bottom and up - section by section. The concept reduces lifting and handling challenges normally introduced with larger turbines, while the independence of jack-up vessels allows for installations in deeper waters.

The technology behind the INSTALLER concept will ensure a wide range of scenarios and applications. With Equinor as developer and operator, and Fred. Olsen Windcarrier, Ulstein and NOV as suppliers, the INSTALLER solution approach will pave the way for a significant Norwegian market share for installation of large wind turbines and in particular within floating wind farms. Moreover, the importance of the project is reflected by the proposed set of activities that can contribute to restructuring the Norwegian oil and gas supply industry into serving the industry of ocean renewables (Green Growth).