Floating Wind JIP – Stage 3 Phase 2

Stage 3 of the Floating Wind JIP commenced in 2022 with projects running until 2027. Projects within this Phase have been selected to focus on: electrical systems, mooring systems, logistics, windfarm optimisation, foundations, and asset integrity and monitoring. Overviews of individual projects can be found below. 

Stage 3 Phase 2 technical studies

Fixed-to-Floating WTG Integration (WTG-I)

Integrating wind turbine generators (WTGs) on floating platforms presents greater challenges than on fixed-bottom foundations due to the dynamic behaviour of these structures. As the industry moves toward commercial-scale floating offshore wind, identifying practical and efficient installation strategies has become increasingly important.

While quayside installation is expected to be the most widely adopted solution, uncertainty remains around acceptable operational tolerances and limiting conditions.  

The WTG-I project assessed the operability of integrating WTGs onto moored, buoyant platforms using a fixed quayside crane.

The project objectives were to:

  1. Define a tolerance range and limiting factors for safe fixed-to-floating integration of WTGs.
  2. Engage with stakeholders, Original Equipment Manufacturers and 3rd party specialists, to understand the risks and mitigation measures for WTG integration operations at quayside, as well as to obtain feedback on the proposed tolerances.  
  3. Develop a guidance document for fixed-to-floating WTG integration at quayside, outlining the conditions and parameters where it is feasible to carry out WTG integration procedures. 
See report

Ballast Systems for Stability Control of Floating Platforms (BSSC)

Ballast systems are key to maintaining the stability of floating offshore wind platforms by managing the amount and distributions of ballast within onboard tanks. By adding, removing, or transferring ballast, these systems regulate the platform’s draft, trim and heel to ensure it remains upright, stable, and safe under changing environmental and operational conditions throughout installation, operation, and decommissioning.

Robust ballast systems play a critical role in optimising the operation and energy generation of floating wind platforms by enabling greater control of platform motions and improving stability characteristics. This is especially important in harsh marine environments, where fluctuating wind and wave conditions can affect both safety and performance.

This project evaluated the benefits, limitations and lifecycle implications of different ballast system configurations for floating offshore wind platforms. The project objectives were to:

  1. Investigate current and emerging state-of-the-art ballast systems for floating offshore wind platforms to understand the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of various advanced systems for different wind turbine platform archetypes.
  2. Undertake a cost-benefit analysis through various stages of the system lifecycle, including costs associated to risk mitigation, to understand the benefit of active ballast systems compared to passive ballast systems.
  3. Investigate the requirements and procedures for associated systems and equipment, and how these need to be adapted for varying metocean conditions and environments.
  4. Define an operations and maintenance strategy for the lifetime of the identified ballast systems.

    See report