Kongsberg Maritime Introduces Innovative Mooring Solution for Offshore Construction Vessels
Kongsberg Maritime has revolutionized the capabilities of Offshore Construction Vessels (OSCVs) with a groundbreaking mooring solution that enables pre-laying of mooring lines. By incorporating a specially designed anchor handling winch, shark jaws, and stern rollers into the design of OSCVs during the newbuild stage, vessel owners can now equip their ships to undertake a wider range of mooring operations, significantly enhancing their operational flexibility.
This cutting-edge advancement allows OSCVs to tackle a greater variety of tasks independently, addressing the shortage of vessels capable of large-scale mooring installations. The new system empowers OSCVs to conduct a larger portion of mooring operations, extending their operational window and minimizing the need for additional vessels at the field.
The versatile winch can be either permanently installed or portable, allowing for onboard loading only when required. The shark jaws and stern rollers are permanently integrated into the ship’s structure, ensuring seamless functionality during mooring operations.
Currently, OSCVs are primarily limited to setting large suction piles or driven piles into the seabed using onboard cranes and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for field development and mooring installation. While some mooring lines can be installed through ad hoc methods, Kongsberg Maritime’s innovative solution enables OSCVs to execute these tasks in a safer and more efficient manner.
According to Runar Hjele, Sales Director of Offshore Construction & Support at Kongsberg Maritime, “There will be a shortage of vessels equipped with subsea cranes and sufficient deck area to support the anticipated high volume of large anchors and mooring lines in the future. With the integration of this advanced mooring system, OSCVs emerge as a more viable and efficient solution, particularly in scenarios where specialized mooring installation vessels are scarce.”
By proposing strategic adjustments to future construction vessel newbuilds, Kongsberg Maritime is positioning OSCVs to take on a more significant role in mooring line installations, further solidifying their position as indispensable assets in the offshore construction industry.