The role of the Naval Architect in Floating Offshore Wind

The role of the Naval Architect in Floating Offshore Wind

Director of Engineering at Longitude Engineering (an ABL Group company), Jake Anderson, recently authored an article for RINA's The Naval Architect to discuss the role that engineering and naval architects play in developing floating wind turbine foundations.

The vast majority of offshore wind farms are bottom-fixed, with a monopile or a jacket foundation, but these are only cost effective for installation in relatively shallow waters of up to around 50m. This is suited to many parts of Europe where water depths meet these limits, however, for elsewhere in the world where water depth is too deep to allow turbines to be fixed to the seabed, alternative solutions are needed.

Enter Floating Wind Turbines:

"Unlike with bottom-fixed, for floating wind turbine generators act as buoyant foundations, carrying the payload of the turbine (including the weight of the tower, nacelle and blades)", says Jake Anderson.

Such systems require a much greater contribution from naval architects, making them critical team members. However, the industry is facing unprecedented challenges to grow staffing levels to meet demand, and to nurture future generations of engineers. So what is the answer?

Read Jake's insights in full in the February 2023 Edition of The Naval Architect, with your RINA membership.

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