Reusable monopile sea-fastening solution

Dutch Engineering consultant Conbit, which specialises in lifting equipment, special lifting and structural engineering, has developed an item of equipment, called Vickas, which is designed to optimise monopile installation and avoid generating waste.

According to Conbit, the system enables the safe sea-fastening of monopiles with a range of diameters without having to change the sea fastening configuration. Conbit said that, as the system is reusable, it helps avoid generating what it describes as ‘sea-fastening scrap’ that currently remains after monopile installation projects.

Vickas is designed to carry monopiles weighing up to 1,350 tonnes and can be used on many different type of vessels and barges, said Conbit. It allows for stacking monopiles, facilitates skidding and critical components can easily be replaced, the company added.

Joop de Fouw, technical director for Conbit, commented, “Conbit believes this system will bring cost benefits to the transport and installation contractor and ultimately to the offshore wind farm developer. Furthermore, the deck crew on the installation vessel will enjoy working with Vickas, because of its flexibility and efficiency.”