Hamburg-based engineering and design company HeavyLift@Sea has responded to an expected surge in construction of floating offshore wind farms built farther from the shore and in deeper waters by designing a floating foundation installation vessel – the FFI 1700.
With the dimensions of 165m in length and 43,5m in width, FFI 1700 provides a working deck for stowing four XL monopiles up to 100m in length, with a 10m diameter and 1,500t in weight, the designer said.
Additional cargo such as transition pieces and towers is safeguarded on deck, and grouting equipment is stowed below deck.
The vessel is powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system, and is equipped with a DP2 system and a SWL 1700t heavy lift offshore crane. Optionally, a second auxiliary crane can be installed for further lifting assistance.
The FFI 1700 also utilizes a pile gripper, a pile guidance system that consists of a lifting frame welded to the deck and hydraulically driven arms embracing the pile and enabling heavy structural work with precision control.
The vessel offers accommodation in 80 single cabins.