ClassNK has awarded an approval in principle (AiP) for the design of a multi-functional floating offshore windfarm support vessel (MFSV) developed by ‘K’ Line Wind Service, a joint venture of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha and Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen Kaisha, together with Japan Marine United Corporation and Nihon Shipyard.
The installation of floating offshore wind turbines requires mooring works by vessels, with the whole mooring system comprising an anchor, a mooring chain, and a fibre rope. The MFSV is designed to efficiently perform whole mooring works for floating offshore wind turbine installations, including transportation of the mooring system, deployment of the mooring system on the seabed, and anchor tensioning. According to the companies, the concept is for a multi-functional vessel, capable of providing various functions in each phase of the offshore wind projects including survey, transportation, construction, operation and maintenance.
ClassNK carried out the design review of the MFSV based on its Part O of Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships for workships and the SPS Code, as well as the IP Code, which will enter into force from July 2024. Upon confirming it complies with the prescribed requirements, ClassNK issued the AiP.
Image: MFSV concept (credit: ‘K’ Line Wind Service)
