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.
PO436: Subsea Collectors in Floating Wind: Cost Reduction Potential and Risk Considerations
Magnus Ebbesen, Director Advisory Services, Aker Solutions
Abstract
Floating wind is expected to expand rapidly, with governments setting ambitious targets to deliver multi-GW capacity this decade. Achieving these ambitions requires innovation that reduces cost and ensure bankability. Subsea collectors have emerged as a promising technology, allowing inter-array cables to be connected centrally rather than in daisy-chain layouts. This configuration can reduce overall cable lengths and cross sections, simplify installation, and improve maintainability. The technology is approaching commercial readiness, with qualification expected to be completed by 2026. Despite this potential, there has been limited assessment of the cost and risk implications of subsea collectors. Cost benefits must be evaluated across supply and installation of cables, hook-up procedures, floater impact, and long-term maintenance. Risk implications must consider failure statistics, how subsea collectors may mitigate them, and the consequences of introducing a new subsea component. The impact on inter-array cables is critical, as they are among the most frequent sources of offshore wind insurance claims. This study combines cost modelling from Aker Solutions with risk perspectives from Niord, a leading offshore wind insurer. Results indicate a 1-3% reduction in levelised cost of energy (LCOE) when applying subsea collectors compared to conventional daisy chain, with the main drivers being reduced cable dimensions, simplified floater interfaces, and reduced installation and major component replacement costs. From a risk perspective, subsea collectors may address insurers’ concerns with dynamic cables by providing a more robust design and significantly reducing business interruption risk from major component replacement. However, the introduction of a new subsea component requires qualification and a clear framework for insurability. Overall, the work provides the first combined view of cost and risk for subsea collectors in floating wind. The findings show measurable cost reduction potential, alongside conditions that must be satisfied for subsea collectors to become both cost-effective and bankable.
No recording available for this poster.
