First floating turbine without heavy lift needs

The 2MW WindFloat Aguçadoura unit is moored in less than 50m water and is located 4km off the northern coast of Portugal. The unit is the first of its kind with a semisubmersible structure and the first in the world which did not require heavy lift equipment offshore. The assembly of the turbine took place in a controlled shore side environment.

Lars Samuelsson, offshore account manager, ABS, said: “Up until today, all offshore wind farms have been based on bottom fixed foundations in water depths less than 30m. As we go deeper, floating offshore wind turbine foundations may become a cost-effective alternative.”

ABS certification of the structure and the mooring system was based on the relevant sections of ABS Offshore Rules and Guides and the ABS Guide for Building and Classing Offshore Wind Turbine Installations.

The WindFloat was created by partners of the WindPlus joint venture – an international group led by Portuguese power provider, Energías de Portugal (EDP). Other partners include US energy technology developer, Principle Power and Portuguese steel fabricator, A Silva Matos and State venture, InovCapital. Danish wind turbine producer, Vestas Wind Systems, provided the V-80 2 MW turbine for the project.