Cost Analysis of Multiline Ring Anchor System for Offshore Wind Farm-PPT Presentation

PPT Presentation

Pdf Summary

The study evaluates the cost-saving potential of the Multiline Ring Anchor (MRA) for floating offshore wind farms. An MRA connects multiple mooring lines to one deeply embedded anchor, potentially reducing the number of anchor locations, site investigations, and anchor weight. It can be installed by suction or driving and is designed to provide high capacity and uplift resistance.<br /><br />Indicative costs were compared with conventional suction caissons (SCs) and multiline suction caissons (mSCs) for 600 MW wind farms in soft clay. The scenarios considered 5-MW and 12-MW turbines, different water depths, and different distances from port. Costs covered site investigation, materials, fabrication, transportation, and installation.<br /><br />For a 600-MW farm, the estimated anchor count fell from 360 SCs to 60 mSCs or MRAs in the 5-MW case, and from 150 to 25 in the 12-MW case. Fewer anchor sites substantially reduce investigation costs. The MRA’s concentrated, deep-embedded design also makes it lighter than the alternatives, reducing material, fabrication, and transport costs. In the example cost breakdown, MRA material and fabrication costs were particularly low relative to SCs. Installation costs were somewhat higher than for mSCs, but far below those for conventional SCs.<br /><br />Overall, the analysis suggests that MRAs can reduce both capital costs and installation time by combining multiple mooring connections at fewer, lighter anchors. Savings depend on anchor numbers and weight as well as water depth, port distance, vessel availability, and weather. The results are indicative and based on specific assumptions and scenarios, rather than a universal cost estimate.

Keywords

multiline ring anchor

MRA

floating offshore wind farms

mooring lines

suction caissons

cost savings

anchor capacity

soft clay

installation costs

site investigation