Posters
Come meet the poster presenters to ask them questions and discuss their work
We would like to invite you to come and see the posters at our upcoming conference. The posters will showcase a diverse range of research topics, and will give delegates an opportunity to engage with the authors and learn more about their work. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or simply curious about the latest developments in your field, we believe that the posters will offer something of interest to everyone. So please join us at the conference and take advantage of this opportunity to learn and engage with your peers in industry and the academic community.
PO164: The role of Classification in developing Semi-submersible foundations for Next-Generation WTGs
Roger Hilmarsen Rong, VP Engineering, Odfjell Oceanwind
Abstract
Odfjell Oceanwind (OOW) draws on over five decades of experience in designing, building and operating semi-submersible drilling rigs to develop floating offshore wind (FOW) technology. Building on this heritage, OOW applies structured Classification frameworks, which are well established in the oil & gas and maritime sectors, to ensure that FOW foundations are safe, scalable, and cost-efficient. Among these, Basic Design Approval (BDA) plays a central role in de-risking floater design development in early phases and enabling industrialisation. The growing size of wind turbine generators (WTGs), now surpassing 15 MW, introduces new demands on floating foundations in terms of strength, stability, and cost-effectiveness. To meet these requirements, Odfjell Oceanwind developed the Deepsea Star™: a BDA-approved semi-submersible design, suited for scalability and industrial deployment. The BDA process, conducted in collaboration with a classification society, ensures compliance with established design standards, recommended practices, and guidelines. Classification societies perform independent modelling and analysis of load dynamics, structural integrity, and other global naval architectural aspects, considering the integration of tower, turbine, and hull, from concept development through construction and operation. The BDA-approved design minimizes the need for early project-specific adaptations, reducing design development lead times and lowering the overall Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). As OOW evaluates the Deepsea Star™ concept with increased capacity WTGs, stiff-stiff towers and larger rotor diameters, it is evident that its centre-column design is ideal for scalability. OOW is also exploring active ballast solutions to manage larger turbines to avoid significant increases in floater size or weight. OOW recently announced its intention to deploy the Deepsea Star™ in the newly acquired Salamander Offshore Wind Farm in Scotland, providing a real-world opportunity to validate the concept. The project already benefitting from the ongoing classification work for the Deepsea Star™ moderate design which also encompasses the Salamander metocean design basis.
No recording available for this poster.
