The OO-STAR floater, designed to support the largest wind turbines in the world in the harshest offshore environments, has received approval in principle (AIP) from ABS.
The concrete semi-submersible floating wind foundation from CBNA, a subsidiary of Bouygues Construction, is designed according to a database of wind and metocean patterns both for a test site in the North Sea and to accommodate a turbine of over 20 MW. ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements using the ABS Guide for Building and Classing Floating Offshore Wind Turbines.
“The OO-STAR design promises a solution to meet the unique challenges of both the West and East coast environments in the U.S., and application all over the world, which makes this a technology with significant potential for the development of renewable energy production globally,” said Rob Langford, ABS Vice President, Global Offshore Renewables.
Bertrand Burtschell, CEO of Bouygues Travaux Publics, said: “The AIP issued by ABS is significant for us as it marks the first step in certifying a credible design, fit for construction and industrialization. Calling on our recent experience of mass producing the 71 concrete gravity-based structures on the Fécamp wind farm, we are working hard on the design of lean and efficient production lines aimed at securing the delivery of OO-STAR floaters at an industrial scale and at a pace compatible with cost-efficient project execution plans.”
ABS is a trusted partner for offshore wind stakeholders by delivering advisory and technical review solutions that help minimize risk and enhance safety for offshore wind projects.