Design of an Innovative Autonomous Vessel to Support Windfarm O&M

Wind Farm Operations and Maintenance has challenges in delivering cargo safely and efficiently and with manning in high sea states. Wind farms farther offshore further increases pressures on vessel design, technicians, safety and costs. Working within the ambit of ‘Innovate UK’ funded Wind Farm Autonomous Ship Project, Houlder Ltd have been developing the concept design of a Wind Farm Support Vessel that can operate autonomously during transit and while delivering cargo to offshore wind turbine. The aspired degree of automation is that for the vessel to be remotely operated from ashore. Vessel functions have been identified, working in conjunction with industry and project partners, who are developing vessel control and advanced autonomy, on-board health diagnostics, decision support logistics algorithms, data flow and logistics management, and cost performance analysis, as part of the project. The Concept is expected to reduce operating costs, especially fuel and crew related, while improving safety of operations. This paper will focus on the re-think, re-design and refining of vessel design that the autonomous vessel concept has accorded. The discussion will follow through the design spiral for features of spaces, stability and machinery systems, besides the innovation and integration of autonomous cargo handling solution for the wind farm O&M.