Monopile gripper
Design and build of two capable systems to help install some of the largest diameter monopile foundations to date, while minimising environmental impact.
Making more offshore wind power happen.
Osbit was initially approached by a customer seeking to support their installation activities in the rapidly growing South-east Asian offshore wind market. The customer sought to enable the production of 2.4 terawatt hours of renewable energy per year, supplying enough electricity to meet the power needs of 605,000 households annually.
Osbit was tasked with developing an innovative system to enable the safe and effective installation of a range of monopile foundations, capable of safely and effectively handling the project's large monopiles within the constraints of the project’s vessels.
To reach these goals, our team worked very collaboratively with the customer to fully understand their project needs and we successfully developed a design to achieve the required objectives.
Crafting an environmentally considerate solution.
Without prior design consideration, piling operations could disturb local marine wildlife.
Our monopile gripper systems were designed to be environmentally considerate, incorporating an integrated Near Pile Noise Mitigation system, which minimises the subsea noise and vibration associated with piling activities. This is complemented by bubble curtain rings which are deployed to dampen the energy emitted into the environment and further protect marine life.
Both monopile grippers are also highly adaptable for future projects, accommodating monopiles between 6.5 to 10 metres in diameter, with push forces up to 300 tonnes. This, combined with their ability to be adapted to suit different vessel deck structures, means one system can carry out multiple contracts, removing the need for a new gripper to be produced each time.
Developing a global manufacturing offering.
Given that our customers’ project work was taking place in Taiwan, while we designed both systems from our headquarters in North East England, we utilised the skills of a South East Asian-based fabrication partner to produce the gripper system closer to where it was commencing work.
An on-site team of Osbit Engineers worked collaboratively, and rapidly, to build a local supply chain to deliver the system. Following the success of this approach, we have now replicated the process in multiple locations around the world to suit our customers’ differing needs.
Meeting requirements during a globally challenging time.
The delivery of our monopile gripper took place during the Covid-19 pandemic, which had substantial effects on our operations and the global engineering supply chain.
Through carefully considered processes and a hands-on, collaborative management approach with Osbit’s supply chain partners, we were able to complete this project safely. These aspects also supported us in delivering on time for our customer, when they really needed it, and in the most challenging of project circumstances.
Project success driving demand for a second system.
Following the delivery of our first system, Osbit was approached by a second customer which, having seen the reliability and effectiveness of our monopile gripper’s work in the field, wished to procure its own system.
This customer required more support in specifying its requirements, which we provided, and we were able to successfully deliver a second repeat system on time, despite the ongoing challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are pleased to take over the Gripper from Osbit, who did a great job along this project. Thanks to Osbit and their supply chain for managing all the challenges during these complicated [Covid-19] times.”