Monopile foundation inspection for Offshore windfarm
Monopile foundation inspection for Offshore windfarm
INDUSTRY
Offshore Wind
Location
Southern North Sea
Services
ROV Inspection & SurveyCleaning & Marine Growth Removal
Intervention & Repair
Splash Zone Operations
Technology
Micro ROV FleetMultibeam Sonar & 3D Imaging
Positioning & Navigation Systems
Launch & Recovery Systems
The challenge
HPR was contacted to complete an ROV inspection of two wind turbine monopile foundations and associated scour protection on an offshore windfarm.
Previously, this work scope had always been completed using a much larger ROV systems due to high tidal currents in this area, and the perception that only a large ROV had the power necessary to complete inspections in harsh conditions such as these.
After seeing the specifications and video quality of HPR’s compact ROVs, the client was more than happy to use this type of system.
The solution
HPR mobilised and operated one of its new generation advanced ROVs to the client’s small survey vessel, with the system being operated from the main cabin and simply hand launched over the side.
This eliminated the need for a larger ROV vessel with a dedicated ROV system, reducing both cost and emissions. This approach also minimised logistical complexity, providing a streamlined solution that met industry safety and environmental standards.
The results
Based on tidal conditions, the inspection was completed in just two days. The ROV was able to fly and complete the surveys due to its sleek design, powerful thrusters and low umbilical drag. This gave us the ability to carry out the inspection using a small crew transfer vessel that was in the field anyway, rather than our client having to mobilise a dedicated vessel.
The impact
This is believed to be one of the first project of its kind for a compact ROV system, which demonstrates the misunderstood power of a more compact system in environments with high currents.
The client was extremely happy with the results and has indicated they would have no hesitation in using a hand-deployable ROV for any similar work scopes in the future.
Overall, the success of this project shows that although the southern sector and windfarms in general are usually located in areas of high current, a HPR solution can carry out work scopes that typically require a much bigger ROV with the need of a dedicated vessel for deployment.
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