Offshore Renewable Energy

The next-generation electrical grid will be powered in part by offshore wind, wave, and tidal power. These new energy sources present unique challenges. For these projects, Glosten draws on our extensive experience in the marine construction industry and in the offshore oil and gas industry to assist clients with vessel design and marine logistical planning. Glosten’s typical marine construction services have included assessment of the local wind/wave climatology, analysis of design loads due to wind, waves, or ship impact, development of mooring hardware solutions, and dynamic analysis of mooring system behavior. Construction logistics planning is a firm specialty, particularly where large modules or floating structures are to be constructed off-site.

Recently, Glosten designed a purpose-built jack up crane barge for Trillium’s Lake Ontario Offshore Wind Farm. Navigational constraints limit the overall dimensions of the vessel, yet she will be capable of lifting 250-ton wind turbine components at heights of over 300 feet above the sea surface. This zero-discharge vessel is designed to the standards of ABS and Transport Canada.  Glosten and Trillium are exceeding the requirements of Environment Canada and setting a new standard for clean operations.  For this and many offshore wind farms, the short installation season dictates a fast-paced construction schedule.  The turbine installation vessel will be capable of 1-meter-per-minute jacking speed under full load.  The four-leg design precludes the use of sea water ballast during pre-loading, which dramatically reduces pre-load time.  Glosten is partnering with a crane manufacturer and a jacking system vendor to seamlessly integrate critical components into the overall design during early the stages of the project.  See Marine Logistics for Great Lakes Offshore Wind Farm, 2008 for additional project details.