Tendon Installation Innovate UK
16th October 2023
This project was undertaken with funding from Innovate UK and the saw the development and adaption of the Laytrix pipeline installation system for the purposes of installing a series of steel tendons for anchoring a floating offshore wind turbine to the seabed.
The TLP anchoring method is being pursued by a number of developers and sees the turbine secured within a smaller geographic area on the seabed making it more favourable than other methods for other users of the seabed with the solution also allowing good dynamic responses for the floating platform.
The project led to development of a 1/10th scale system using pneumatics in place of hydraulics and a simplified system to allow demonstration of the main functions of the patented installation system.
During the project, Laytrix signed a memorandum of understanding with GMC Limited to collaborate with them on installation activities associated with their mechanically connected couplings which can be used to join sections of pipes or tendons together. With Laytrix now working with GMC Limited on two specific floating wind turbine TLP solutions.
As with the other systems developed by Laytrix, the USPs still allow the use of cost-effective supply vessels or anchor handlers, reduced emissions, safe and secure tendon handling, self-loading & unloading from the quayside an improvement in efficiencies compared to other installation techniques.