Maersk Supply Service has completed the pre-lay of the mooring, anchoring and quick connect system for Saitec’s DemoSATH floating offshore wind demonstrator
The mooring system for the 2-MW turbine was installed at the BIMEP offshore test site in Spain. The turbine is due to begin tests later this year and will be the first floating turbine connected to the Spanish grid.
In total, Maersk Supply Service installed six mooring lines comprising hybrid lines of chain and fibre rope, and six drag anchors, using the anchor-handling /supply vessel vessel Maersk Mariner.
Mobilisation and loading of the mooring lines and preparation of the vessel took place at the Punta Sollana quay at Port of Bilbao, where the onshore construction of the floater is currently underway.
Maersk Supply Service director of floating wind Yvan Leyni said, “With the completion of the installation of the mooring system, the DemoSATH project is ready for the installation of the foundation later this year.
“We have had good collaboration throughout the process – both in the planning and the execution phase. Engagement of the key stakeholders from developer to the fabricator of the floater have been instrumental for the successful completion.”
Construction of the prestressed concrete floating platform continues at the Port of Bilbao. Work on the transition piece, single point mooring and boat landing are also underway.
Once completed, the 2-MW floater will be tested in an offshore environment, in a water depth of 85 m.
