Project

The Baltic Offshore Wind Farm project comprised of the installation of 27 inter-array cables. The field included a diverse array of cable types, CPS, and environmental conditions, which required a comprehensive set of analysis scenarios. In addition to the installation analysis, the project required assessments of cable loadout, vessel mooring, and vessel transit.

Throughout the project, the installation vessel changed, and the analysis was repeated and optimised for the new vessel. In order to prepare for potential breakdown, cable repair and jointing operations were planned as well. Despite some project data being unavailable or frequently changing, Tadek’s extensive experience in cable installation and comprehensive data catalogue ensured that deliverables were not delayed.

The installation analysis scope comprised of static and dynamic analysis of Cable Lay, 1st End and 2nd End operations. Tadek generated lay tables, schematics, and operability rosettes for a range of cables, CPS and water depth combinations. There was constant collaboration with the client and the vessel owner to ensure that the analysis and operational procedures were aligned.

The 1st end and 2nd end pull-in operations were modelled with dynamic analysis of the CPS and cable pull-throughs. The weak link rating and additional rigging length were determined for a range of cables and CPS combinations. Tadek presented the cable tension & MBR, winch tension and CPS bend moment to highlight critical stages throughout the operation. Various conditions were analysed prior to pull-in testing to provide conservative results, enabling the client to select the appropriate winch size.

Tadek collaborated with the project engineering team to deliver documents that were easy to follow and useful to the offshore team. Each document featured clear schematics, lay tables and operability rosettes for a range of environmental conditions. During the engineering phase, Tadek used the analysis results to design and verify the suitability of various equipment.

The scope was repeated twice due to the vessel availability changing. Each vessel featured distinct chute positions, each presenting its own set of unique challenges. Both times, Tadek improved operability in a reduced timespan, following the lessons learned from the previous scope.