Huisman Introduces Jones Act Workaround for US Offshore Wind

Dutch provider of step-changing technical solutions Huisman has developed a Motion Compensated Platform to transfer wind turbine components from a feeder vessel.

Since using internationally-flagged wind turbine installation vessels is restricted in the U.S. under the Jones Act, a feeder vessel with a Motion Compensated Platform offers a reliable and efficient solution for the transportation of components in U.S. waters, Huisman said.

The Motion Compensated Platform is said to provide a stable deck area because it actively counterbalances the effects of vessel motions. This means that lifting heavy components and moving an empty jack-up vessel can be done in more severe weather conditions, thus significantly increasing the weather window for operations, Huisman said.

The dimensions and capacities of the Motion Compensated Platform are optimised for next-generation wind turbines and are designed to compensate for five degrees of vessel motions. The platform can be integrated into the hold of a vessel and aligned with the main deck, making it easy to skid cargo across the platform.

Cees van Veluw, Product Manager at Huisman, said: ”By using an offshore rated feeder vessel equipped with our Motion Compensated Platform, the jack-up vessel can continue installation work without having to shuttle back and forth to load new components. Maximising the operational time results in a faster and more reliable delivery of an offshore wind farm, compared to more traditional feeder solutions.”

With this development, Huisman aims to grow its presence in the U.S. offshore wind market.

In December 2020, Huisman was contracted by the Texas-based Keppel AmFELS for the delivery of a 2,200mt Leg Encircling Crane for the world’s first Jones Act-compliant wind turbine installation vessel, Charybdis, ordered by Dominion Energy.

In May 2020, the first monopile foundations in U.S. federal waters were installed by Jan de Nul’s vessel Vole au Vent, using Huisman’s motion-compensated monopile gripper. To locally support the North American market, Huisman has facilities in the Houston area, Texas.