Numerical Simulations to Determine Comparative Operability of Floating Feeder Solutions

Abstract

The U.S. plans to install 30GW of offshore wind by 2030. However, the lack of Jones-Act compliant installation vessels means that alternative installation strategies will have to be used in the near to mid-term. One such strategy is to use Jones-Act classed barges or purpose built ships to transport Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) components from port to the offshore location where a foreign vessel can install them. This paper uses numerical simulations to derive the uptime of such an operation for different feeder solutions.