ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for the conversion plan of the medium-sized self-elevating platform (SEP) vessel for the installation of wind turbine generators (WTG) on a semi-submersible floater in ports. The SEP is jointly developed by TOA Corporation (TOA), Nihon Shipyard (NSY), and Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU).This project involves a semi-subfloater developed by JMU. As a solution to the current lack of port facilities for installing a large wind turbine on a floating foundation at ports in Japan, TOA, NSY, and JMU have been jointly researching and developing a method to convert a medium-sized SEP vessel to be used as a jacked-up tall crane in a port. The R&D is based on the SEP vessel (equipped with a 1,250-tonne crane) under construction at JMU’s shipyard. The converted SEP will enable the installation of large wind turbines even at ports without adequate facilities and is expected to promote the expansion of floating offshore wind power generation by providing a wider range of base port options.
ClassNK carried out a review of the jointly developed conversion plan in line with Part O of the Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships and issued the AiP after verifying conformity to the prescribed requirements.
