Roll Group and Hebetec Engineering have developed a patented system for the load out of large offshore wind farm components.
Roll Group and Hebetec Engineering – as part of a strategic cooperation agreement that focuses on the demand for renewable and civil construction solutions – developed the system as an efficient and cost-effective solution to the logistical challenges of handling the large and heavy offshore wind farm components.
Called FoWeLo, the system offers a robust design using existing hydraulic equipment and temporary steel structures. It is designed to be fully containerised, with no restrictions due to tidal effects, which simplifies mobilisation and ensures low CO2 emissions by using seawater as a counterweight.
According to Roll Group ceo Peter Rondhuis, “The FoWeLo solution uses existing gantry, mooring and ballasting equipment from Roll Group, whereas the strand jacks and APS skidding equipment are provided by Hebetec Engineering. This – together with our combined engineering skills and market know how – makes us the perfect partners for this invention.”
The system aims to solve two critical industry challenges: the high cost and port logistics constraints of launching floating offshore wind foundations. “As floating offshore foundations are the only option for offshore wind in many countries, we have a role to play and aim to develop innovative technical solutions. The FoWeLo system is a price competitive option and will increase the load out speed of the foundations,” added Steven Dunnewijk, ceo of Hebetec Engineering.
