New Cranefree Foundations Installed at F?camp

Seatower has successfully installed a new type of foundation for offshore wind turbines expected to change the industry with its unique cranefree technology. The new foundation was installed on February 9 at the Fécamp site in the British Channel and is regarded as a potential game changer due its fast and efficient installation procedures without the use of offshore cranes or special purpose vessels.

The installation occurred in the British Channel approximately 15 km off the French coast at the Fécamp offshore site at 30m water depth and was carried out by MT Højgaard.

Fast and efficiently, the hollow Seatower foundation was towed out to its desired position by two tugs and then deployed by letting seawater flow into the hollow foundation. The foundation was thereby fixed to the seabed by its own ballasted weight.

“We are pleased that both the manufacturing schedule and installation of the first Seatower went according to plans. This type of foundation is perfect for larger turbines and we have now demonstrated that installation can happen also during winter time and in harsh offshore conditions, which is one of many advantages that will reduce the cost of offshore wind,” says CEO and co-founder of Seatower Petter Karal.

Seatower expect that the new Cranefree Gravity based foundation will change the offshore wind power industry due to its many advantages compared to the commonly used steel structures.

“Our foundations are less costly than conventional foundations such as steel monopiles. Seatower Cranefree Gravity are quicker to install and less risky, as the installation involves fewer personnel in the offshore operations. Also Seatower Cranefree Gravity is environmentally friendly. There is no noise from pile hammering or drilling during the installation process, since the hollow foundation is simply filled with sand to anchor it safely to the seabed,” explains Karal.

The manufacturing and installation of the first installed Seatower Cranefree Gravity is executed by a consortium consisting of Seatower, Danish MT Højgaard and French Eiffage TP.

The demonstrator site is located at the wind project “Parc Éolien en Mer de Fécamp” owned by the French energy company EDF Energies Nouvelles, Danish DONG Energy and German wpd Offshore.