RSL have been working at the forefront of the renewable energy sector for many years. We are able to deliver a wide variety of survey solutions tailored to support production during the numerous fabrication stages of wind energy generation projects. RSL is an established market leader that offers a full range of Survey services to help assist fabrication of steel foundations for offshore wind. Our project support can be incorporated throughout all stages of asset life cycle; fabrication, installation and maintenance. In a sector that is constantly evolving, we believe that we can help bring new solutions and ideas to fruition on all of our projects. Some of the services are listed below.
There are different types of foundations used for offshore wind the different types used are determined according to the depth at which the wind turbine will be installed.
For installations at depths below 15 metres, monopiles are used, these are quite simple structures made up of a thick steel cylinder that is anchored directly to the sea bed. They are buried under the sea bed up to 30 metres to support the tower.
In the case of offshore wind farms that need to erect the wind turbines 30 metres over the sea level, clear from the action of waves, the gravity foundation system is usually used, this involves using a large concrete or steel platform with a diameter of approximately 15 metres and a weight of approximately 1,000 tons.
More complex support and anchoring structures are required at depths below 30 to 35 metres. In most cases, installation companies use jackets, foundations with a lattice framework that feature three or four sea bed anchoring points, which increases the levels of safety when anchoring the towers. The top of the jackets features a transition piece that is connected to the turbine shaft, while the legs (three or four, according to the engineering design) are anchored to the sea bed with piles.
“Having worked in the Oil & Gas, Nuclear and Renewables Industry all my career, the support of a quality surveying company is paramount to the achievement of any construction project.
I have had the privilege of having that expertise from RSL on most projects I have been involved with.
RSL’s ability to adapt to the changing specifications, difficult situations and challenging projects is a credit to all their staff.
No project is too small for RSL, whether a barge layout to install sea fastening grillage, to the complicated offshore wind farm jacket foundations that form our skyline in the North Sea.
Having the latest technology RSL produce accurate surveys with detailed dimensions which is an essential support for all construction teams to execute a successful project.”
M. Davis – Construction Manager NNG Project Saipem.
