Boskalis Uses 3D Motion Compensated Drill Rig in OWF Ops

Boskalis has recently used a new solution for subsea drilling from a floating barge during wind turbine foundation installation, developed by a team of engineers from Boskalis, DDC and Barge Master.

Large water depths, challenging soil conditions and an environmentally sensitive seabed at the project site made a floating solution the preferred option for the drilling operation, Barge Master said, leaving the project unnamed.

The team developed a modular solution consisting of a standard barge outfitted with Barge Master’s T700 motion compensation platform. The stabilised platform accommodates a drill rig, extended over the aft of the barge, and a crawler crane.

The entire setup was mobilised within two weeks.

By compensating the 3D motions of the barge, the drill rig operations could continue throughout the winter irrespective of waves and swell.

The 70mT drill bit was precisely lowered and positioned by the 3D compensated crawler crane, with swing of the drill and drill pipe completely eliminated, Barge Master explained.

“This operation is a perfect example of the maturity that motion compensation technology has reached. Our systems can operate  24/7 non-stop without a single hitch”, said Martijn Koppert, CEO of Barge Master.