ClassNK has awarded an approval in principle (AiP) for the design of a multi-functional floating offshore windfarm support vessel (MFSV) developed by “K” Line Wind Service, Ltd., a joint venture of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. and Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen Kaisha, Ltd, together with Japan Marine United Corporation and Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd., according to ClassNK's release.
The installation of floating offshore wind turbines requires mooring works by vessels, with the whole mooring system composed of an anchor, a mooring chain, and a fiber rope. The MFSV, developed this time, is designed to perform whole mooring works efficiently for floating offshore wind turbine installation, including “transportation of mooring system”, “deploying mooring system on the seabed”, and “anchor tensioning”.
According to the companies, the vessel also features a multi-functional concept, providing various vessel solutions in each phase of offshore wind projects such as "Survey", "Transportation", "Construction", and "Operation & Maintenance".
ClassNK carried out the design review of the MFSV based on its Part O of Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships for work-ships and SPS Code2, as well as IP Code3, which will enter into force from July 2024. Upon confirming it complies with the prescribed requirements, ClassNK issued the AiP.