Enhydra FWIV

Enabling commercial scale development of floating offshore wind farms.

Render of an Enhydra FWIV floating wind installation vessel concept at sea, with wind turbines in the background
Description

Robust and versatile floating wind installation vessel.

GustoMSC's Enhydra Floating Wind Installation Vessel (FWIV) is purpose-built for the safe, efficient, and flexible floater installation and hookup of floating offshore wind farms. The vessel's modular and integrated design enables the installation of multiple foundation types, mooring systems, and dynamic cables, streamlining complex offshore operations.

Highlights

  • Integrated yet modular mission deck equipment packages for mooring and dynamic cable installation in all water depth ranges
  • Motion-compensated gangway configurations, including 6-DOF systems
  • Deck and chain locker capacity for up to three sets of mooring systems, with a total of 12 anchor points*
  • 2,800 m2 of deck space
  • Designed for 100 to 120 people on board
  • Superior crew welfare facilities
  • Multiple fuel and power generation options with a methanol-powered basic configuration, allowing significantly reduced environmental footprint
  • Energy storage system, power regeneration, and shore power compatible

*Depending on the mooring system setup

Specifications

Main characteristics FWIV - International

Hull

 

Length overall

150.6 m

Length between perpendiculars

138.5 m

Breadth

30.8 m

D main deck

11.9 m

Draught

8.5 m

Deadweight

16,600 t

Speed

14 kn

Autonomy

50 days

DP class

2

Bollard pull

230 t

Accommodation

100 - 120 POB

 

Power generation & utilities

Installed power

21,600 kW

# Generator sets

6

MGO

3,600 m3

Alternative fuel capacity

1,700 m3

Fresh water

480 m3

 

Propulsion and DP

Tunnel thrusters

2 x 3,150 kW

Azimuth thrusters

1 x 3,500 kW

3 x 3,200 kW

Total thruster power

19,400 kW

 

Classification, regulations

DNV or ABS Crane Vessel Notation

DP2 station keeping notation (upgradable)

IMO - Special Purpose Code

 

Offshore logistics

Gangway System

Compensation

Fully compensated 6 DOF

Cargo

Yes (trolley & integrated crane)

Main crane

Type

knuckle boom

SWL

400 t

Outreach

19 m

Max outreach

40 m

Compensation

Yes, Motion Compensated

2nd crane

 

Type

Knuckle boom

SWL

28 t

Outreach

6-35 m

Compensation

No

Helideck

Size

26 m (Sikorsky S-92 capable)

Additional equipment

ROV

Yes, inclusive of launch system

Drone/AUV

Yes, optional

Vertical Lay System

 

 



Main characteristics FWIV - US

Hull

 

Length overall

494.1 ft

Length between perpendiculars

454.4 ft

Breadth

101.0 ft

D main deck

39.0 ft

Draught

27.9 ft

Deadweight

16,600 t

Speed

14 kn

Autonomy

50 days

DP class

2

Bollard pull

up to 300 t

Accommodation

100 - 120 POB

 



Power generation & utilities

Installed power

28,967 hp

# Generator sets

6

MGO

142,637 ft3

Alternative fuel capacity

59,972 ft3

Fresh water

480 m3

 



Propulsion and DP

Tunnel thrusters

2 x 4,227 hp

Azimuth thrusters

1 x 4,694 hp

3 x 4,291 hp

Total thruster power

26,021 hp

 



Classification, regulations

DNV or ABS Crane Vessel Notation

DP2 station keeping notation (upgradable)

IMO - Special Purpose Code

 



Offshore logistics

Gangway System

Compensation

Fully compensated 6 DOF

Length

98.4 ft

Cargo

Yes (trolley & integrated crane)

Main crane

Type

knuckle boom

SWL

400 t

Outreach

62.3 ft

Max outreach

132.2 ft

Compensation

Yes, Motion Compensated

2nd crane

 

Type

Knuckle boom

SWL

28 t

Outreach

20-114 ft

Compensation

No

Helideck

Size

26 m (Sikorsky S-92 capable)

Additional equipment

ROV

Yes, inclusive of launch system

Drone/AUV

Yes, optional

Vertical Lay System

 

Facilitating floating wind industrialization

The Enhydra FWIV is designed to facilitate the commercialization of floating wind farms. This specialized vessel is designed to perform the full range of subsea construction tasks associated with floating wind farms safely and effectively in challenging environments and deep waters.

Inspired by the sea otter's physical and behavioral characteristics, the vessel’s unique design features make it highly adaptable to its environment. The FWIV can support a wide range of operations during the installation phases of floating offshore wind, including the mooring, hookup, and deployment of dynamic cables. This versatility makes for an efficient solution for the challenges of floating offshore wind.

Key to developing commercial scale floating wind is the industrialization of the process. This needs repeatability of operations and efficient logistics due to the sheer number of installations to be performed. This is where the Enhydra FWIV distinguishes itself.

An engineered platform for installing floating wind farms

The Enhydra FWIV is specifically designed as an installation and hookup vessel for floating wind turbines. A robust 400-ton main crane featuring NOV's proven AHC knuckle boom design boasts integrated heave compensation in a fully electric and closed-loop hydraulic setup, eliminating the need for a separate motion-compensated crane.

The versatile vessel is also designed for dynamic power cable deployment in various water depths, including vertical, horizontal, and inclined lay systems. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates the required buoyancy modules, ensuring safe and efficient deployment through automated “hands-free” processes.

Mooring installation

Choosing the right mooring system is crucial for floating wind foundations, considering factors like the environment, water depth, and foundation type.

We offer unmatched versatility, accommodating all mooring systems and their essential installation equipment, from pile templates to winch packages and ROVs.

Modular flexibility

Floating wind farm installations are diverse, each demanding a unique approach tailored to its geographic and environmental conditions.

The Enhydra FWIV's modular design empowers these projects with flexible mission equipment packages. Pre-engineered multiple deck layouts enable rapid integration, ensuring efficiency and versatility.

Dynamic cable

Capability to install dynamic cable is a crucial capability for any floating offshore wind farm. This capability is adaptable to varying water depths and environmental conditions and will need installation equipment and techniques to match.

The dynamic cable installation system's versatility, with horizontal, vertical, or inclined lay options, meets the unique needs of diverse project environments, ensuring efficient installation and hookup processes.

Collaborative effort

This FWIV results from collaborations spanning NOV's Marine and Construction business unit and with offshore wind farm operators, EPIC contractors, and specialist OEMs.

The GustoMSC™ vessel design offers a flexible deck layout for mission equipment integration, including electric subsea cranes from our Lifting and Handling group and Remacut™ cable-lay systems. The Multilayer Active Heave Compensation enhances safety, and the PowerBlade™ energy recovery system reduces emissions.

NOV's global resources and aftermarket services provide continuous support throughout the vessel's lifespan.

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