Transition Piece Carrier for Optimising Offshore Wind Costs
ALE is optimising offshore wind project costs by designing a new modular transport frame for carrying transition pieces (TPs) within marshalling ports. Designed in-house, the new Transition Piece Carrier has been developed as a more cost-effective alternative of transporting the TPs rather than using cranes to handle them.
Overall project efficiency is delivered as the system can move within limited spaces, which optimises storage, operates at higher wind speeds and is not limited to the TPs’ diameters or weights. What is more, as additional steel frames are not required, it enables the TPs to be simply positioned onto the current concrete blocks – which are readily available and are a more cost-effective storage option. Furthermore, as the TPs are increasingly growing in size and weight, the carrier is ideal as it can transport TPs weighing in excess of 600t and is flexible enough to transport TPs with different base designs. It also provides a safer transport solution as it eliminates the need to work at height.
“Offshore renewables is a huge growth market for us and we wanted to ensure we had the optimal solution for port handling operations for our clients,” Technical Sales Manager Tomas Villarino explains. “This is a highly beneficial solution that aids project efficiency and cost reduction, with optimised working conditions that will be compatible with the ever-changing design of TPs to future-proof our offering in the sector.” The system is at the final stages of fabrication, ready to start working in early 2019.