The subject of developing a document on a standardized boat landing was identified by the International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) Renewable Energy Workgroup as one of the areas where there could be benefits — in terms of cost reduction and safety improvement — for marine operations for renewable energy.
IMCA’s new report includes sections on crew transfer to offshore turbines, safe clearances, fender impact loading, and others.
Following this recommendation, IMCA’s Renewable Energy Workgroup and the National Workboat Association have been seeking a consensus on the optimum design and configuration of boat landings for accessing wind-turbine foundations from crew transfer vessels.
“In order to undertake this task, a questionnaire was issued to all the operators of European offshore wind farms to gather information on existing boat landing geometries. At the same time, feedback was sought on the experience of CTV operators, fender manufacturers and structure designers,” explained IMCA’s Technical Director, Richard Benzie.
He added: “A significant volume of data and feedback was gathered. On analysis of the data it has been possible to develop a recommended geometry for a standard boat landing that is consistent with the G+ Global Offshore Wind Health & Safety Organisation (formerly G9) guidelines.
The resulting publication ‘Standardized boat landing research report’ (IMCA SEL 041/ M 232) has since been released by IMCA.
“One critical area where data was lacking was on the design impact forces for the boat landing This information was not as readily available as expected, with only two out of 24 projects originally being able to supply it,” said Benzie. Looking in detail at how the design codes address impact loads, a number of areas of challenge, and further research have been identified. “Based on this feedback, several other potential areas for research have been identified in our extensive document. It is now recommended that these are taken up by the relevant research bodies.”
The wide ranging document includes sections on crew transfer to offshore wind turbines; the questionnaire; data analysis; fender impact loading, safe clearances; as well as the executive summary, introduction, conclusion, and recommendations.
Filed Under: News, Offshore wind, Policy, Projects, Safety
