Over the past decade, the offshore wind industry has undergone a remarkable evolution in monopile installation methods. These changes are driven by advancements in vessel technology, installation practices, and monopile designs. Here’s what the data reveals:
Installation Vessel Trends
Shift Away from Jack-Up Vessels
Data from recent years highlights a steady shift from jack-up vessels to floating heavy-lift vessels. In 2024 (Q3 data), heavy-lift vessels accounted for approximately 84% of monopile installations, compared to 62% in 2012.
- Leading examples include DEME Group’s Orion and Jan De Nul Group’s Les Alizés, as well as conversions like Boskalis’s Bokalift 2.
The Comeback of Jack-Ups
While floating vessels dominate, new-build jack-ups are poised for a resurgence. In 2024:
- Cadeler’s A-Class units and Van Oord’s Boreas are equipped for both turbines and monopiles.
- The recently launched Seaway Ventus is gearing up with a monopile gripper to tackle foundation installations.
Installation Method Trends
Separate Installation is Gaining Traction
The industry has shifted from combined installation of monopiles and transition pieces (TP) to separate tasks. This separation optimizes vessel use and reduces costs:
- Floating heavy-lift vessels focus on monopiles.
- Smaller vessels handle the lighter TP/secondary steel components.
Efficiency Drivers
- In 2024, nearly 80% of installations employed the separate method, up from 65% in 2012.
- For jack-up vessels, TP installation remains straightforward due to their stability, but floating vessel innovations are quickly closing this gap.
Monopile Design Trends
TP-Less Designs on the Rise
The adoption of TP-less monopiles is steadily increasing, accounting for 35% of installations in 2024, up from just 12% in 2012. This design reduces maintenance by eliminating the bolted flange connection.
Challenges and Dominance of Conventional Monopiles
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- TP-less designs require larger cranes and vessels, limiting their use to fleets equipped for heavier loads.
- Despite this, conventional monopiles remain the preferred option for 65% of projects in 2024, ensuring reliability and compatibility with current infrastructure.
