Floating offshore wind turbines: Installation, operation, maintenance and decommissioning challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Abstract. The global floating offshore wind energy industry is rapidly maturing with several technologies having been installed at pilot and demonstration scales. As the industry progresses to full array-scale deployments, the optimization of marine activities related to installation, operation \\& maintenance and decommissioning presents a significant opportunity for cost reduction. This paper reviews the various marine operations challenges towards the commercialisation of floating wind in the context of spar-type, semi-submersible and Tension Leg Platform (TLP) technologies. Knowledge gaps and research trends are identified along with a review of innovations at various stages of development which are intended to widen weather windows, reduce installation costs and improve the health and safety of floating wind related marine operations.