Key information

Title: A vessel and method of employing a vessel, e.g. in a process of maintaining or assembling an offshore installation, a related assembly and apparatus
Application number: 20160866
Case type: National
Status: 31.05.2019 Ikke betalt årsavgift
Filed: 23.05.2016
Effective date: 23.05.2016
Publicly available: 24.11.2017
Applicant: REMORA AS (NO)
Owner: REMORA AS (NO)
Inventor: Geir Ove Saltvedt (NO) et al.
Agent: HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS (NO)
Granted: 05.03.2018
Patent number: 341961

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.

There is described a method of employing at least one vessel in a process of repairing, maintaining, assembling, ordisassembling an offshore installation or infrastructure, a related vessel, assembly, and apparatus. In various embodiments, a vessel is provided, the vessel being provided with positioning means, wherein the vessel can perform a first repertoire of operations using equipment on the vessel, and at least one attachable utility unit is provided, the attachable utility unit comprising a hull and equipment supported thereupon. The vessel may then be attached to the attachable utility unit, so as to produce a combined assembly which is manoeuvrable by the positioning means of the vessel, wherein the combined assembly can perform a second repertoire of operations using either or both of the equipment on the vessel and the equipment on the attached utility unit, and the combined assembly may be moved to at least one site to perform at least one operation in said process.

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Date

Date	Doc. No.	Process	Case number	In/Out	Journal description	To/from
17.12.2019	12-01	Saksbehandling	20160866	UT	PT Opphørt Patent - SPC for ikke betalt årsavgift (3311)
01.10.2019	11-01	Saksbehandling	20160866	UT	PT Påminnelse om ikke betalt årsavgift (3329) (PT20160866)
03.04.2018	10-01	Saksbehandling	20160866	UT	PT Batch Varsel om betaling av første årsavgift (3317)
09.03.2018	09-01	Saksbehandling	20160866	UT	PT Registreringsbrev Nasjonal Patent (15)
22.11.2017	08-01	Saksbehandling	20160866	UT	Intention to grant	Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
18.09.2017	07-05	Saksbehandling	20160866	INN	Hovedbrev	Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
18.09.2017	07-04	Saksbehandling	20160866	INN	Krav	Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
18.09.2017	07-03	Saksbehandling	20160866	INN	Hovedbrev	Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
18.09.2017	07-02	Saksbehandling	20160866	INN	Beskrivelse	Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
18.09.2017	07-01	Saksbehandling	20160866	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
18.08.2017	06-01	Saksbehandling	20160866	UT	Realitet patent	Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
24.05.2017	05-02	Saksbehandling	20160866	INN	Tegninger	Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
24.05.2017	05-01	Saksbehandling	20160866	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
27.04.2017	04-05	Saksbehandling	20160866	INN	Beskrivelse ren	Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
27.04.2017	04-04	Saksbehandling	20160866	INN	Hovedbrev	Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
27.04.2017	04-03	Saksbehandling	20160866	INN	Hovedbrev	Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
27.04.2017	04-02	Saksbehandling	20160866	INN	Beskrivelse merket	Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
27.04.2017	04-01	Saksbehandling	20160866	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
21.12.2016	03-02	Saksbehandling	20160866	UT	PT report 03:56:43
21.12.2016	03-01	Saksbehandling	20160866	UT	Realitet patent	Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
25.05.2016	02-01	Saksbehandling	20160866	UT	Infobrev til oppfinner	Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
23.05.2016	01-05	Saksbehandling	20160866	INN	Erklæring Søkers rett til oppfinnelse
23.05.2016	01-04	Saksbehandling	20160866	INN	Tegninger
23.05.2016	01-03	Saksbehandling	20160866	INN	Beskrivelse
23.05.2016	01-02	Saksbehandling	20160866	INN	Fullmakt
23.05.2016	01-01	Saksbehandling	20160866	INN	Søknadsskjema Patent

Description, claims and drawings

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.

Description

A VESSEL AND METHOD OF EMPLOYING A VESSEL, E.G. IN A PROCESS OF MAINTAINING OR ASSEMBLING AN OFFSHORE WINDMILL, AND A RELATED ASSEMBLY

Technical field

The present invention relates in particular to a method of employing a vessel in at least one process of repairing, maintaining, assembling, or disassembling an offshore windmill for generating electrical power or related infrastructure, such as on an offshore wind park, and a related vessel, and assembly.

Background

In marine offshore contexts, the provision of services at an offshore site can be challenging and difficult. Sites that are remote from land can be exposed to harsh environmental conditions, which may increase the challenges. For instance, when installing or maintaining offshore infrastructure such as a wind park or the like, services in the form of installation equipment, tools, build sections, and personnel may be required on site at various times and in various combinations in order to achieve objectives.

Particular difficulties have been identified by the inventors with regard to the provision of services for completing a process for instance at an offshore windmill installation site or similar. Such a “process” may typically include multiple operations, steps, or tasks performed as part of the process. It is also known to be difficult to transfer personnel and/or maintenance tools, equipment, parts, lubrication oils, etc., onto an installation for example to perform manual service, maintenance, or repair tasks. If services such as heavy lift cranes or similar equipment are needed repeatedly at the site, one solution has been to provide a jack-up rig adjacent to the site/installation. However, a drawback of the jack-up rig is that the legs of the jack-up rig are lowered onto the seabed in order to install the rig at the site. The engagement of the legs against the seabed typically damages the seabed in proximity to the installation site, such that it is typically not feasible for this reason to apply a jack-up at the site repeatedly more than on a couple or so occasions.

Personnel access has otherwise typically been performed by use of small boats. Such a boat is typically run to the foot of the installation, and personnel then disembark from the boat onto the structure. In the case of windmill towers for instance, the personnel may then need to climb outside steps or a ladder from close to the sea surface upward to a work area or platform in an elevated position along the windmill tower. This can be hazardous, particularly in inclement weather. To address this, it has more recently been sought to utilise large ships in order to provide access onto a platform or work area on the windmill tower higher up, but such ships also suffer from problems of motion characteristics in high sea states. Indeed, vessels of these kinds may typically heave, roll, and pitch with the waves such that if the waves are substantial in height, it can be difficult or completely unfeasible for personnel, tools, equipment, etc., to land on the installed structure. This can result in hazardous operations, operational delays, and expense.

Typically, many different kinds of vessels are employed, each for performing a specific operation in the process, and this can be associated with inefficiencies and costs.

The patent publication US2008/0135233 describes a modular installation vessel comprising first and second pontoon barges and interconnecting barges.

It is an object of the invention to obviate or at least mitigate various drawbacks or difficulties of prior art techniques.

Summary

In light of the above, according to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of employing a vessel in at least one process of repairing, maintaining, assembling, or disassembling an offshore windmill for generating electrical power or associated infrastructure, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a vessel comprising a broad submerged vessel hull and at least one narrow tower extending upright from the submerged hull and penetrating the water surface, the vessel being provided with positioning means comprising a dynamic positioning system, propellers arranged to operate under control from the dynamic positioning system, and a depth and/or tilt positioning system, wherein the vessel alone can perform a first repertoire of operations using equipment on the vessel, the first repertoire of operations including either or both of: transfer of personnel; and transfer of light cargo or parts; (b) providing at least one attachable utility unit, the attachable utility unit comprising a hull and equipment supported thereupon;

(d) attaching the vessel to the attachable utility unit by operating an attachment system provided on the vessel for quick-attach/release between the vessel and the utility unit, so as to produce a combined assembly which is manoeuvrable by use of the positioning means of the vessel, wherein the combined assembly can perform a second repertoire of operations using either or both of the equipment on the vessel and the equipment on the attached utility unit; and

(e) moving the combined assembly to a site, using the equipment on either or both the vessel and the attached utility unit of the combined assembly to perform at least one operation in said process, the operation in said process being one of the second repertoire and being from the group comprising: handling or lifting parts, cargo, or containers; laying or repairing seafloor cable; and holding or positioning elements or sections of the offshore windmill or associated infrastructure

The operation performed in said process may typically be one which is outside of the first repertoire of operations.

The method may further comprise, prior to step c, using the vessel to perform a first operation in said process, the first operation being from the first repertoire, and the combined assembly in step d may be used to perform a second operation in said process.

The first operation may be performed without the utility unit or any of the utility units attached.

The equipment of the attachable utility unit or respective attachable utility units may be selected from the group comprising:

cable-laying equipment;

at least one crane or jack;

at least one foundation support;

at least one service container;

at least one section of a windmill tower;

at least one blade for a windmill; and

at least one turbine, gearbox, or nacelle part.

The equipment of the vessel may comprise either or both of: at least one gangway and at least one crane.

The positioning may include arranging a submerged portion of the vessel underneath part of the hull of the attachable utility unit. The vessel may be attached to the utility unit by forming a connection between the submerged portion of the vessel and part of an underside, or side, of the hull of the attachable utility unit.

The positioning may include lowering the vessel in the water and moving the lowered vessel laterally to allow said submerged portion of the vessel to be positioned underneath or on the side of the hull of the attachable utility unit.

The connection formed between the submerged portion of the vessel and part of an underside, or side, of the hull of the attachable utility unit may be formed in response to activating an attachment system or one or more components or parts thereof.

The vessel may be attached by applying suction to a sealed region, a magnet or magnetic force, or other means between the submerged portion of the vessel and the underside or side of the hull of the attachable utility unit to form a connection therebetween to attach the vessel to the attachable utility unit.

The attachment system may comprise one or more components or parts for forming a connection, typically an underwater connection, between the vessel and the attachable utility unit, e.g. a part of the hull of the vessel. The attachment system may be operable to form a connection, typically an underwater connection, between the utility unit and the vessel, e.g. between the submerged portion of the vessel and the underside or side of the hull of the attachable utility unit. By way of the connection, the attachable utility unit and the vessel may be held in place in fixed relationship relative to one another. The attachment system may comprise one or more components for forming a sealed region between the utility unit and the vessel for applying suction in the sealed region for forming the connection.

The attachment system may comprise one or more quick-attach connectors e.g. a suction connector, e.g. a suction cup or the like. The attachment system may comprise a magnet or one or more components for generating a magnetic force between the attachable utility unit and the vessel for forming the connection therebetween. The attachment system may be activated to operate to form the connection between the attachable utility unit and the vessel, e.g. by an activation signal. When active, the attachment system may operate automatically to form the connection to attach the vessel to the attachable utility unit. The attaching step and/or activation of the attachment system may be initiated from a control computer or personnel-operable panel remote from the connection point, e.g. from a control room of the vessel. Accordingly, the attachment system may be remote operated. The instruction or signal to operate the attachment system to form the connection, e.g. data signal by electronic or other communication means, may be produced by vessel systems, e.g. when the vessel is positioned appropriately with respect to the attachable utility unit. The vessel may typically be urged toward the attachable utility unit through operation of the attachment system and/or when in the combined assembly. By operation of the attachment system, the connection formed may comprise a “kiss” or “cup” contact against the attachable utility unit, e.g. the underside or side of the hull of the attachable utility unit. The connection formed may comprise a pad contact connection, or a surface-to-surface contact connection, between the attachable utility unit and the vessel. The attachment system may include a pad or fender for producing frictional resistance between the vessel and the attachable utility unit. The pad or the fender may be disposed within the sealed region.

The positioning means may further comprise any of a navigation system; a steering system; and related parts.

The vessel may comprise at least two towers extending above the water surface from the hull. The vessel may be configured to have its centre of gravity below its centre of buoyancy when deployed without any attachable utility unit or units attached.

The equipment of the attachable utility unit may include at least one crane or jack and the operation may comprise a lift, and the method may further comprise performing the lift using the crane or jack.

The method may further comprise selecting the attachable utility unit or units to which the vessel is to be attached amongst a plurality of available floating attachable utility units each comprising a hull and equipment supported thereupon, wherein the selection may be performed based on a requirement of the operation or a requirement of the process in which the operation is to be performed.

The method may further comprise operating the vessel to transfer personnel between an offshore or onshore personnel accommodation facility and the offshore windmill or infrastructure. The tower may be provided with a gangway. The operating step may comprise any of: moving the vessel adjacent to the accommodation facility and allowing personnel to cross the gangway onto the vessel; moving the vessel onto site adjacent to the offshore windmill or infrastructure; and allowing the personnel to cross the gangway onto the windmill or infrastructure, the gangway being arranged on the tower so that the gangway is elevated above the surface of the sea and an end of the gangway is positioned at a personnel platform on the windmill or infrastructure. The step of operating the vessel to transfer personnel may be performed prior to or without any utility unit or units being attached to the vessel. The method may further comprise detaching the connected attachable utility unit or units from the vessel. This may decrease a sensitivity of motion of the vessel to environmental forces.

The method may further comprise operating the vessel to transfer cargo or equipment off or onto the vessel. The vessel may comprise a tower extending through a surface of the sea from a submerged hull, and the tower may be provided with a crane for cargo or equipment transfer. The operating step may comprise any of: moving the vessel adjacent to the offshore installation or infrastructure or another offshore platform; and transferring the cargo or equipment using the crane, the crane being arranged on the tower so as to be elevated above the surface of the sea and reach across between the tower of the vessel and the offshore installation or other offshore platform. The step of operating the vessel to transfer the cargo or equipment may be performed prior to or without any of attachable utility unit or units being attached to the vessel.

The vessel, e.g. the positioning means, may typically comprise at least one ballast/trim tank which may be arranged to be provided with ballast. The method may comprise selectively lowering, raising or levelling out at even keel the vessel in the water, e.g. by use of the ballast/trim tank, to help position the vessel with respect to the bottom of the floating utility unit for connection to an underside of the hull of the utility unit.

The attachable utility unit to be attached to the vessel, or any one or more of a plurality of available utility units from which the attachable utility unit to be attached is selected, may be towed to at least one collection location.

The method may further include moving the vessel to the collection location to attach to the attachable utility unit. The floating attachable unit may be non-propelled. Typically, the attachable utility unit may comprise a barge, e.g. typically a flat-bottomed barge.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a vessel configured to be employed in at least one process for repairing, maintaining, assembling, or disassembling an offshore windmill for generating electrical power or associated infrastructure, the vessel characterised in that it comprises:

a broad hull arranged to be submerged under water and at least one narrow tower arranged to extend upright from the hull when submerged and penetrate the water surface;

positioning means comprising a dynamic positioning system, propellers arranged to operate under control from the dynamic positioning system, and a depth and/or tilt positioning system; and

an attachment system for quick-attach/release between the vessel and at least one attachable utility unit, for forming a combined assembly which is manoeuvrable by the positioning means;

wherein the vessel is operable in a first configuration without an attached utility unit to perform a first repertoire of operations using equipment on the vessel, the first repertoire of operations including either or both of: transfer of personnel; and transfer of light cargo or parts; and operable in a second configuration in the combined assembly, the combined assembly being operable to perform a second repertoire of operations using either or both of the equipment on the vessel and the equipment on the attached utility unit, for performing at least one operation in said process, the operation in said process being one of the second repertoire and being from the group comprising: handling or lifting parts, cargo, or containers; laying or repairing seafloor cable; and holding or positioning elements or sections of the offshore windmill or associated infrastructure

The positioning means may include at least one ballast/trim tank which may be arranged to be provided with ballast for lowering and levelling out the vessel in the water for allowing a part of the vessel to be moved underneath the bottom or to the side of the floating unit for connection thereto.

A side of the hull of the vessel or of the attachable utility unit may comprise at least one groove, recess, or slot or the like, for containing a foundation section for a windmill in the groove, recess or slot, against the side of the vessel or the utility unit.

The tower may typically be provided with gangway configured for personnel access between the vessel and a personnel work area or platform above a surface of the sea on the offshore windmill wherein an end of the gangway may be configured to be positioned at the work area or platform.

The tower may comprise at least one upright column arranged to intersect the surface of the water, in use. The tower may be provided with a crane for cargo or equipment transfer between the tower and an access area or platform on the offshore windmill. An accommodation facility may be arranged on the tower. Personnel transfer may take place between the accommodation facility on the tower and the offshore windmill, in some embodiments.

The positioning means may include propellers arranged to operate under control from a dynamic positioning system.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an assembly comprising the vessel according to the second aspect and at least one attachable utility unit being attached to the vessel.

Any of the aspects of the invention may include further features as described in relation to any other aspect, wherever described herein. Features described in one embodiment may be combined in other embodiments. For example, a selected feature from a first embodiment that is compatible with the arrangement in a second embodiment may be employed, e.g. as an additional, alternative or optional feature, e.g. inserted or exchanged for a similar or like feature, in the second embodiment to perform (in the second embodiment) in the same or corresponding manner as it does in the first embodiment.

Embodiments of the invention are advantageous in various ways as will be apparent from the specification throughout.

Description and drawings

There will now be described, by way of example only, embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of apparatus including a vessel according to an embodiment of the invention, in use;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the apparatus of Figure 1 wherein the vessel is arranged in a combined assembly with selected attachable utility units for performing an operation; and

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the vessel of Figure 1 alongside an offshore installation for lifting operations and gangway access.

Turning firstly to Figure 1, there is shown apparatus 1 including a vessel 10 on the water 2. The vessel 10 is illustrated nearby a windmill 40, which is subject to maintenance or under construction. The windmill 40 is part of a wind park comprising typically several windmills and associated infrastructure such as seabed cabling and support equipment (not shown) as may be employed for example in converting and delivering produced electrical power from the windmill 40 to shore.

The vessel 10 is illustrated in the form of a base unit which can operate on its own to perform simple operations or tasks, such as crew transfer or light maintenance equipment or cargo transfer. As will be described, various attachable utility units can be attached to the vessel 10, more specifically to the base unit. In Figure 1, the vessel 10 consists of only the base unit without any such utility unit attached. In embodiments of the invention, any reference to the vessel can be replaced by reference to the base unit.

The apparatus 1 includes a group 30 of individual attachable utility units 31-35, which are each provided on the water 2 at the water surface as floating barges with equipment or construction blocks for facilitating in one or more operations on the wind park. More specifically, a first attachable utility unit 31 is provided with a crane 51a or a jacking device 51b for performing lifting/jacking operations. A second attachable utility unit 32 is provided with containers or cargo units 52. A third attachable utility unit 33 is configured to hold a section of an offshore structure to be installed, the section in this example being a foundation structure 53 for a windmill. The group of utility units further includes a fourth unit 34 carrying blade sections 54 or other windmill parts for the windmill 40 under construction or subject to maintenance, and a fifth unit 35 is provided with a cable device 55 for spooling out cable onto the seabed or for use in cable repair.

By attachment of the vessel 10 to one or more of the attachable utility units, a combined assembly is provided which is configured appropriately for performing an operation. As can be seen in Figure 2 for instance, through attachment of the first attachable utility unit 31 to the vessel 10, the vessel 10 can be configured with a crane or jacking device and can thus be capable of performing high lifts such as for lifting e.g. a windmill blade section onto the windmill 40 under construction/maintenance. The vessel 10 in Figure 2 is additionally configured with the third attachable utility unit 33 attached, so that the crane/jacking unit can readily access the sections of e.g. the windmill blade. The vessel 10 is moved and steered to the required location on the wind park to perform the operation using the utility units attached.

In practice, a range of floating attachable utility units 30 with equipment of different kinds may be available. The vessel 10 may be utilised with different combinations of the units 31-35 based on different tasks to be performed. The attachable utility units 31-35 may be available at a collection location near shore or away from shore or in proximity to the wind park to provide increased convenience of access for one or more vessels 10 at one or several different wind parks. In the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, the vessel 10 can take one or two such units.

It can be noted that the second unit 32 has a “split” hull, with columnar legs extending between a buoyancy element 32b and a keel portion 32k. The containers 52 are supported on a deck of the hull above the water line. When the utility unit 32 is attached to the base unit of the vessel, the unit 32 is positioned such that the legs pass through the sea surface 3. The small cross-sectional area of the legs can limit the effects of surface waves on the motion of the vessel.

It can also be noted that in order to place the foundation 53 on the seabed 4 when the third unit 33 is attached to the vessel 10, this may be carried out by lowering the vessel 10 (and hence also lowering the attached third utility unit 33) in the water so that the foundation 53 is brought onto the seabed 4. In practice therefore, the foundation 53 is held from the third unit 33 typically quite close the seabed 4 so that the seabed 4 can be reached by lowering the vessel 10.

The vessel 10 can attach to an attachable utility unit 31-35 through an attachment system 12 arranged on a laterally extending deck 11 of the vessel 10. The attachment system 12 is a quick-attach/release system, which may for example comprise a magnet connector, a suction connector or other means. In order to attach to one of the units 31-35, the vessel 10 is lowered so that the deck 11 is submerged and is moved laterally underneath the base of the floating utility unit to be attached, with the attachment system 12 positioned against the base. In embodiments using suction connection, the suction is applied to a sealed region between the submerged deck 11 and the base of the floating unit so as to fixedly attach the two securely together. Alternatively, it can also be arranged so that the attachment system is located on the side of the vessel for connection to the side of the attachable units.

Typically, the attachable utility units are flat-based to allow for connectivity.

The vessel 10 has a hull 15 including ballast/trim tanks 16 for ballasting the vessel 10 in the water. One or several towers 17 extend upright from the hull 15 and penetrate through the water surface. Typically, the tower 17 may comprise two columns connected by a bridge between the columns at upper ends of the columns. When deployed alone (without any utility units attached), the base unit of the vessel 10 has a centre of gravity below the centre of buoyancy. The hull 15 has broad lateral extent compared with the tower 17, such that with the hull submerged beneath the water surface 3, as seen in Figure 1, only the tower penetrates the water surface. The low centre of gravity and low cross-sectional surface area of the tower or elements thereof at the water interface means that wave effects at the seasurface only result in small amounts of roll, pitch, and heave motion being imparted to the vessel, allowing for operation in comparatively high sea states.

In general, the attachable utility units can be provided and moved to a convenient location or another location (e.g. another wind park) where there may be a need for the utility units.

One or more of the utility units 31-35 may thus be moved elsewhere for use by other vessels and/or in other locations (e.g. ones configured in the same manner as the vessel 10) if the attachable units are not needed at a particular site, so that the attachable utility units can be better utilised. Thus, it will be appreciated that a given vessel 10 does not necessarily have at its disposal a full set of the functionality provided by the attachable utility units at all times. Indeed, an advantage of embodiments of the invention is that utilisation can be optimised so that the vessel does not need to be equipped with or carry or have immediate access to all types of equipment at all times. This can also facilitate efficiencies in terms of limiting quantities of equipment aboard the vessel, vessel tonnage, mobility and control of the vessel, fuel efficiency, and costs.

The vessel 10 is provided with positioning means so that it can be moved and manoeuvred into appropriate position for attachment to the attachable utility units 31-35.

The ballast/trim tanks 16 in the hull 15 can be used to raise or lower the vessel 10 vertically in the water and/or to trim/tilt the vessel 10. The ballast/trim tanks may let in or out water for positioning the vessel 10 at the appropriate vertical position within the water, or to compensate the trim to offset weight onto the vessel 10. In this way, the vessel 10 may be lowered so that the deck 11 is submerged to allow it to be moved underneath the base (e.g. beneath an underside) of the attachable utility units and to allow the attachment system 12 to be positioned adjacent to the base (e.g. on the underside thereof) of the attachable utility units for connection to take place.

When the vessel 10 is used for an operation with one or more of the attachable utility units being attached, the attachable utility units and/or decks are arranged at the water interface. The vessel 10 can be operated through the ballast/trim tanks to adjust vertical position and through propulsion/positioning means to move location and adjust lateral position and orientation.

The attachable utility units 31-35 are for instance anchored and/or held in place by a tug (not shown), although even if these are free to move, the vessel 10 can dock onto and attach to the attachable utility units 31-35. The vessel 10 may automatically track the speed and directional orientation of the attachable utility units 31-35, e.g. through a tracking system on the vessel, and gradually approach a given attachable utility unit to dock onto it.

The vessel 10 is propelled and steered by the propellers 18. The vessel 10 can thus be moved to any desired location or orientation for collecting and attaching to the floating attachable utility units and carrying them to a desired location e.g. for performing an operation on the wind park. The vessel 10 also includes a dynamic positioning system which is coupled to the propellers 18 and through which the propellers 18 can be controlled automatically to keep the vessel 10 in a selected desired position despite environmental forces, such as from wind, waves, or currents, which may tend to push the vessel away from the desired position.

The vessel 10 or any of the attachable utility units 31-35 may be equipped with a coupling system (not shown) to connect the vessel to the windmill/installation 40. This coupling system may allow for freedom of movement in zero, one, or two directions.

The tower 17 includes a control room 19 and may include personnel quarters 20 in an upper part of the tower 17. The tower 17 is also provided with a gangway 21 for transfer of personnel between the vessel 10 and an offshore installation such as the windmill 40 or another installation. In addition, the vessel 10 in this example has a small crane 22 for transfer of minor tools and parts. The gangway 21 and the small crane 22 may have heave compensation. In particular embodiments, the vessel 10 may be utilised to transport personnel from an offshore accommodation facility onto an installation on the wind park such as the windmill 40, e.g. for providing maintenance, service or inspection. Such operations can be performed without one or more, or any, of the attachable utility units 31-35 attached.

In Figure 3, the vessel 10 is exemplified without any of the attachable utility units 31-35 attached, in position alongside the tower of the windmill 40, where the gangway 21 extends between the tower 17 on the vessel 10 and an access area 42 on the windmill 40 for the personnel to walk over the gangway 21 between the vessel 10 and the access area 42. The location of the gangway 21 high up on the tower allows for direct access to the windmill deck area 42. The small motions of the vessel 10 due to its low centre of gravity, the tower 17 with small surface area extending through the water surface, and dynamic positioning, allows such access to take place safely in a wide range of weather conditions, without exposing personnel to risks in having to climb a windmill tower. The benefits of small motion can also apply to the small crane when performing lifts to transfer items to the windmill tower.

As can be noted from Figures 1 to 3, the vessel 10 is a semi-submersible floating vessel which can be freely and readily steered and moved from one location to another across an area of the sea 2. The vessel 10 is not anchored or otherwise coupled to the seabed 4, but uses dynamic positioning, when required, to keep constant orientation and position in the sea 2. An advantage of this is that the vessel 10 can be moved repeatedly to a specific location, e.g. adjacent to an offshore installation such as the windmill 4, to perform operations in harsh environments without disruption to the seabed 4. Furthermore, through its design, the vessel 10 as described above provides a solid and stable structure in the sea 2 with low motion characteristics in a range of conditions for supporting cranes or other equipment for performing an operation, as a base unit or in combination with the attachable utility units.

In use, the vessel 10 may be employed for transferring personnel between a permanent central accommodation facility and an installation on an offshore wind park. The personnel may be trained for performing service, maintenance, or inspection tasks on the installation. The vessel 10 is positioned adjacent to the accommodation facility, and personnel are transferred from the accommodation facility onto the vessel 10 via the gangway 21. In an alternative embodiment, an accommodation facility can be built into the vessel 10 itself.

From time to time, the vessel 10 is configured for performing specific operations on the wind park using floating attachable utility units 31-35, which are attached to the vessel 10 and which include equipment such as tools or work parts as may be required for performing the operations. The floating attachable utility units each comprise a hull with equipment and/or parts supported upon the hull in the water. A number of attachable utility units 31-35 can be arranged at one or more collection locations. The vessel 10 is moved to the collection location and the hull 15 of the vessel 10 is submerged so that the deck 11 is arranged beneath the underside of the base of the hull of a selected one of the attachable utility units and, by use of its attachment system 12, the vessel is connected thereto so as to attach the attachable utility unit to the vessel 10 in a combined assembly. The vessel 10 may then connect another one of the attachable utility units 31-35 to another attachment system 12, in the same manner. With the selected ones of the attachable utility units 31-35 attached, the vessel 10 is moved to a location where an operation is then performed using the attached utility units. A typical operation may be a lifting/jacking operation using a crane/jack of the attachable utility units to lift a section of a windmill into place at an installation location of the windmill. In certain embodiments, the vessel 10 can have the attachable utility unit 35 containing the cable reel 55 attached and may be used to lay cable on the seabed 4 by spooling out the cable from the reel 55 while travelling to a destination location, before thereafter performing another operation, such as performing a lift using a crane/jack, at the destination location. In some embodiments, the attachable utility unit 32 with containers 52 may be attached and the small crane 22 or a high-lift crane 51a on another unit 31 attached to the vessel 10 may be used to manoeuvre one or more of the containers 52. The vessel 10 is controlled and steered to keep in position, e.g. by the propellers and the dynamic positioning system of the vessel, while performing the necessary operations. Once the operation has been completed, the vessel 10 may return to the collection location and the utility units may be disconnected. The attachable utility units 31-35 may be transferred to other windmill parks and/or may be used by another vessel substantially the same as the vessel 10. Other attachable utility units may later be attached to the vessel 10 according to requirements.

The connectivity of the vessel 10 is such that it allows tools and heavy equipment to be attached and/or released quickly and reliably through an attachable unit. Typically, this is achieved through an attachment system by a suction connection, whereby suction is applied between the base of the attachable utility unit and the submerged deck of the vessel. The attachable utility units may advantageously be prepared in advance, and may be towed to the collection location offshore. This may facilitate convenience, so that the vessel 10 does not have to travel far to access the attachable utility units. The attachable utility units offer flexibility in how the vessel 10 can be configured. Servicing, maintenance, installation and repair activities can be coordinated and optimised. The number of attachable utility units can be minimised since they can be used by several vessels 10 and on several wind parks.

The ability to configure the vessel 10 readily and offshore for different types of operations can help to reduce the need to engage other vessels. Personnel and maintenance parts can be transferred to installations in a greater range of environmental conditions, increasing the ability to service or perform repairs and reducing risks in production downtime from wind parks.

In other embodiments (not shown), the hull 15 of the vessel 10 is adapted to carry a foundation for a windmill, e.g. via the utility unit 33, so that the foundation can be carried by the vessel 10 to the required location for installation and lowered into the water. In such embodiments, the hull may comprise a slot arranged to contain the foundation laterally between sides of the slot at the side of the hull. The hull may be lowered in the water to lower the foundation onto the seabed.

Other parts of a windmill, such as sections of a windmill tower, may be held at the side of the vessel in a similar manner, although in such cases, the vessel is not lowered to position the sections.

Various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention herein described. While the above description is made specifically with reference to windmills, it will be appreciated that the invention could also be utilised in relation to other types of offshore structure, e.g. where particular kinds of operation and/or personnel access is required. The term “equipment” is used herein to include tools, construction elements, and other parts. It can be appreciated that the attachment of the vessel to the utility units beneficially can be achieved quickly and releasably through the attachment system without any bolting, welding, or hands-on connection work taking place or otherwise being required.

CLAIMS

1. A method of employing a vessel (10) in at least one process of repairing, maintaining, assembling, or disassembling an offshore windmill (40) for generating electrical power or associated infrastructure, the method characterised the steps of:

(a) providing a vessel (10) comprising a broad submerged hull (15) and at least one narrow tower (17) extending upright from the submerged hull (15) and penetrating the water surface (3), the vessel (10) being provided with positioning means comprising a dynamic positioning system, propellers (18) arranged to operate under control from the dynamic positioning system, and a depth and/or tilt positioning system (16), wherein the vessel (10) alone can perform a first repertoire of operations using equipment (21, 22) on the vessel, the first repertoire of operations including either or both of: transfer of personnel; and transfer of light cargo or parts;

(b) providing at least one attachable utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35), the attachable utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) comprising a hull and equipment (51a, 51b, 52, 53, 54, 55) supported thereupon;

(d) attaching the vessel to the attachable utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) by operating an attachment system (12) provided on the vessel (10) for quick-attach/release between the vessel and the attachable utility unit, so as to produce a combined assembly which is manoeuvrable by use of the positioning means of the vessel, wherein the combined assembly can perform a second repertoire of operations using either or both of the equipment (21, 22) on the vessel (10) and the equipment (51a, 51b, 52, 53, 54, 55) on the attached utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35); and

(e) moving the combined assembly to a site, using the equipment (21, 22, 51a, 51b, 52, 53, 54, 55) on either or both the vessel (10) and the attachable utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) of the combined assembly to perform at least one operation in said process, the operation in said process being one of the second repertoire and being from the group comprising: handling or lifting parts, cargo, or containers; laying or repairing seafloor cable; and holding or positioning elements or sections of the offshore windmill or associated infrastructure.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, which further comprises, prior to step c, using the vessel (10) to perform a first operation in said process, the first operation being from the first repertoire, and wherein the combined assembly in step d is used to perform a second operation in said process, the second operation being one which is outside of the first repertoire.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first operation is performed without the utility unit or any of the utility units (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) attached.

4. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the equipment of the attachable utility unit or respective attachable utility units (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) is selected from the group comprising:

cable-laying equipment (55);

at least one crane or jack (51a);

at least one foundation support (53);

at least one service container (52);

at least one section of a windmill tower;

at least one blade for a windmill (54); and

at least one turbine, gearbox, or nacelle part.

5. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the equipment (21, 22) of the vessel (10) comprises either or both of: at least one gangway (21) and at least one crane (22).

6. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the positioning, in order to attach the vessel to the utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35), includes arranging a submerged portion (11) of the vessel underneath part of the hull of the attachable utility unit, and wherein the vessel is attached to the utility unit by forming an underwater connection between the submerged portion of the vessel and part of an underside or side of the hull of the attachable utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35).

7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the positioning includes lowering the vessel (10) in the water and moving the lowered vessel laterally to allow said submerged portion (11) of the vessel to be positioned underneath the hull of the attachable utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35).

8. A method as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the connection is formed in response to activating the attachment system (12).

9. A method as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the vessel (10) is attached by applying suction to a sealed region between the submerged portion (11) of the vessel and the underside of the hull of the utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) to form a connection therebetween to attach the vessel (10) to the attachable utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35).

10. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the vessel (10) is configured to have its centre of gravity below its centre of buoyancy when deployed without any attachable utility unit or units (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) attached.

11. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said equipment (51a, 51b, 52, 53, 54, 55) of the attachable utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) includes at least one crane (51a) or jack (51b) and the performed operation of the second repertoire comprises a lift, and the method further comprises performing the lift using the crane (51a) or jack (51b).

12. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, which further comprises selecting the attachable utility unit or units (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) to which the vessel (10) is to be attached amongst a plurality of available floating attachable utility units (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) each comprising a hull and equipment (51a, 51b, 52, 53, 54, 55) supported thereupon, the selection being performed based on a requirement of the operation or a requirement of the process in which the operation is to be performed.

13. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, which further comprises operating the vessel (10) to transfer personnel between an offshore or onshore personnel accommodation facility and the offshore windmill (40), the tower (17) being provided with a gangway (21), in which the operating step comprises:

- moving the vessel (10) adjacent to the accommodation facility and allowing personnel to cross the gangway (21) onto the vessel;

- moving the vessel (10) onto site adjacent to the offshore windmill (40); and - allowing the personnel to cross the gangway (21) onto the windmill (40), the gangway being arranged on the tower (17) so that the gangway (21) is elevated above the surface (3) of the sea and an end of the gangway (21) is positioned at a personnel platform (42) on the windmill (40).

14. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the step of operating the vessel (10) to transfer personnel is performed prior to or without any utility unit or units (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) being attached to the vessel (10).

15. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, which further comprises operating the vessel (10) to transfer cargo or equipment off or onto the vessel (10), the tower (17) being provided with a crane (22) for cargo or equipment transfer, in which the operating step comprises:

- moving the vessel adjacent to the offshore windmill (40); and

- transferring the cargo or equipment using the crane (22), the crane (22) being arranged on the tower (17) so as to be elevated above the surface (3) of the sea and reach across between the tower (17) of the vessel and the offshore windmill (40).

16. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the step of operating the vessel (10) to transfer the cargo or equipment is performed prior to or without any of utility unit or units (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) being attached to the vessel (10).

17. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the vessel (10) comprises at least one ballast/trim tank (16) which is arranged to be provided with ballast, the method comprising selectively lowering, raising or levelling out at even keel the vessel (10) in the water to help position the vessel (10) with respect to the bottom of the floating attachable utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) for connection to an underside or side of the hull of the utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35).

18. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the attachable utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) to be attached to the vessel (10), or any one or more of a plurality of available utility units (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) from which the utility unit to be attached is selected, is towed to at least one collection location.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18, which further includes moving the vessel (10) to the collection location to attach to the attachable utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35).

20. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the attachable utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) is non-propelled.

21. A vessel (10) configured to be employed in at least one process for repairing, maintaining, assembling, or disassembling an offshore windmill (40) for generating electrical power or associated infrastructure, the vessel (10) characterised in that it comprises:

- a broad hull (15) arranged to be submerged under water and at least one narrow tower (17) arranged to extend upright from the hull (15) when submerged and penetrate the water surface (3);

- positioning means comprising a dynamic positioning system, propellers (18) arranged to operate under control from the dynamic positioning system, and a depth and/or tilt positioning system (16); and

- an attachment system for quick-attach/release between the vessel and at least one attachable utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35), for forming a combined assembly which is manoeuvrable by the positioning means;

wherein the vessel (10) is operable in a first configuration without an attached utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) to perform a first repertoire of operations using equipment (21, 22) on the vessel (10), the first repertoire of operations including either or both of: transfer of personnel; and transfer of light cargo or parts; and operable in a second configuration in the combined assembly, the combined assembly being operable to perform a second repertoire of operations using either or both of the equipment (21, 22) on the vessel and the equipment (51a, 51b, 52, 53, 54, 55) on the attached utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35), for performing at least one operation in said process, the operation in said process being one of the second repertoire and being from the group comprising: handling or lifting parts, cargo, or containers; laying or repairing seafloor cable; and holding or positioning elements or sections of the offshore windmill (40) or associated infrastructure.

22. A vessel as claimed in claim 21, wherein the positioning means includes at least one ballast/trim tank (16) which is arranged to be provided with ballast for lowering and levelling out the vessel (10) in the water for allowing a part of the vessel to be moved underneath the bottom of the attachable utility unit for connection thereto.

23. A vessel as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein a side of the hull (15) of the vessel or of the attachable utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) comprises at least one groove for containing a foundation section for a windmill in the groove.

24. A vessel as claimed in any of claims 21 to 23, wherein the tower (17) is provided with gangway (21) configured for personnel access between the vessel (10) and a personnel work area (42) or platform above a surface (3) of the sea on the windmill, an end of the gangway (21) being configured to be positioned at the work area (42) or platform.

25. A vessel as claimed any of claims 21 to 24, wherein the tower (17) is provided with a crane (22) for cargo or equipment transfer between the tower (17) and an access area (42) or platform on the windmill.

26. A vessel as claimed in any of claims 21 to 25, wherein an accommodation facility (20) is arranged on the tower.

27. An assembly comprising a vessel (10) as claimed in any of claims 21 to 26 and at least one attachable utility unit (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) being attached to the vessel (10).

Claims

Patentkrav

1. Fremgangsmåte for å ta i bruk et fartøy (10) i minst én prosess for reparasjon, vedlikehold, montering eller demontering av en havvindmølle (40) til generering av elektrisk strøm eller tilknyttet infrastruktur, hvor fremgangsmåten er k a r a k t e r i s e r t v e d trinnene:

(a) å tilveiebringe et fartøy (10) omfattende et bredt, neddykket skrog (15) og minst ett smalt tårn (17) som strekker seg opprett fra det neddykkede skroget (15) og trenger gjennom vannflaten (3), hvor fartøyet (10) er forsynt med posisjoneringsmidler omfattende et dynamisk posisjoneringssystem, propeller (18) innrettet til å virke under styring fra det dynamiske posisjoneringssystemet, og et dybde- og/eller krengningsposisjoneringssystem (16), hvor fartøyet (10) alene kan utføre et første repertoar av operasjoner ved bruk av utstyr (21, 22) på fartøyet, hvor det første repertoaret av operasjoner innbefatter enten eller både: overføring av personell eller/og overføring av lett gods eller deler;

(b) å tilveiebringe minst én sammenføybar funksjonsenhet (31, 32, 33, 34, 35), hvilken sammenføybar funksjonsenhet (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) omfatter et skrog og utstyr (51a, 51b, 52, 53, 54, 55) båret på dette;

(c) å posisjonere fartøyet med hensyn til den sammenføybare funksjonsenheten (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) ved bruk av posisjoneringsmidlene;

(d) å feste fartøyet til den sammenføybare funksjonsenheten (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) ved å betjene et fastgjøringssystem (12) tilveiebrakt på fartøyet (10) for hurtig-fastgjøring/-frigjøring mellom fartøyet og den sammenføybare funksjonsenheten, for å fremstille en kombinert sammenstilling som kan manøvreres ved bruk av fartøyets posisjoneringsmidler, hvor den kombinerte sammenstillingen kan utføre et andre repertoar av operasjoner ved bruk av enten eller både utstyret (21, 22) på fartøyet (10) eller/og utstyret (51a, 51b, 52, 53, 54, 55) på den sammenføyde funksjonsenheten (31, 32, 33, 34, 35); og

(e) å flytte den kombinerte sammenstillingen til et sted, bruke utstyret (21, 22, 51a, 51b, 52, 53, 54, 55) på enten eller både fartøyet (10) eller/og den sammenføybare funksjonsenheten (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) i den kombinerte sammenstillingen for å utføre minst én operasjon i nevnte prosess, hvor operasjonen i nevnte prosess er én i det andre repertoaret og er fra gruppen omfattende: håndtering eller løfting av deler, gods, eller containere; legging eller reparering av havbunnskabel; og holding eller posisjone ring av elementer eller seksjoner av havvindmøllen eller tilknyttet infrastruktur.

2. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i krav 1, som videre omfatter, før trinn c, å bruke fartøyet (10) for å utføre en første operasjon i nevnte prosess, hvor den første operasjonen er fra det første repertoaret, og hvor den kombinerte sammenstillingen, i trinn d, blir brukt for å utføre en andre operasjon i nevnte prosess, hvor den andre operasjonen er én som er utenfor det første repertoaret.

3. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i krav 2, hvor den første operasjonen utføres uten funksjonsenheten eller noen av funksjonsenhetene (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) sammenføyd.

4. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i hvilket som helst foregående krav, hvor utstyret på den sammenføybare funksjonsenheten eller de respektive sammenføybare funksjonsenhetene (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) er valgt fra gruppen omfattende:

kabelleggingsutstyr (55);

minst én kran eller jekk (51a);

minst én fundamentstøtte (53);

minst én servicecontainer (52);

minst én seksjon av et vindmølletårn;

minst ett blad til en vindmølle (54); og

minst én turbin-, girkasse- eller motorgondoldel.

5. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i hvilket som helst foregående krav, hvor utstyret (21, 22) på fartøyet (10) omfatter enten eller både: minst én landgang (21) eller/og minst én kran (22).

6. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i hvilket som helst foregående krav, hvor posisjoneringen, for fastgjøring av fartøyet til funksjonsenheten (31, 32, 33, 34, 35), innbefatter å anbringe et neddykket parti (11) av fartøyet under en del av skroget til den sammenføybare funksjonsenheten, og hvor fartøyet fastgjøres til funksjonsenheten ved å opprette en undervannskopling mellom det neddykkede partiet av fartøyet og en del av en underside eller side av den sammenføybare funksjonsenhetens (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) skrog.

7. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i krav 6, hvor posisjoneringen innbefatter å senke fartøyet (10) i vannet og flytte det nedsenkede fartøyet sideveis for å tillate nevnte neddykkede parti (11) av fartøyet å bli plassert nedenunder den sammenføybare funksjonsenhetens (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) skrog.

8. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i krav 6 eller 7, hvor koplingen opprettes som reaksjon på aktivering av fastgjøringssystemet (12).

9. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i hvilket som helst av kravene 6 til 8, hvor fartøyet (10) festes ved at det påføres sug på et avtettet område mellom fartøyets neddykkede parti (11) og undersiden av funksjonsenhetens (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) skrog for å opprette en kopling der imellom for å feste fartøyet (10) til den sammenføybare funksjonsenheten (31, 32, 33, 34, 35).

10. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i hvilket som helst foregående krav, hvor fartøyet (10) er konfigurert til å ha sitt tyngdepunkt nedenfor sitt oppdriftssenter når det er brakt i stilling uten noen sammenføybar(e) funksjonsenhet eller -enheter (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) sammenføyd.

11. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i hvilket som helst foregående krav, hvor nevnte utstyr (51a, 51b, 52, 53, 54, 55) på den sammenføybare funksjonsenheten (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) innbefatter minst én kran (51a) eller jekk (51b) og den utførte operasjonen fra det andre repertoaret omfatter et løft, og fremgangsmåten videre omfatter å utføre løftet ved bruk av kranen (51a) eller jekken (51b).

12. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i hvilket som helst foregående krav, som videre omfatter å velge den/de sammenføybare funksjonsenheten eller -enhetene (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) som fartøyet (10) skal fastgjøres til, blant en flerhet av tilgjengelige flytende, sammenføybare funksjonsenheter (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) som hver omfatter et skrog og utstyr (51a, 51b, 52, 53, 54, 55) båret på dette, hvor valget foretas på grunnlag av et behov i operasjonen eller et behov i den prosessen hvor operasjonen skal utføres.

13. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i hvilket som helst foregående krav, som videre omfatter å betjene fartøyet (10) for å overføre personell mellom et personellinnkvarteringsanlegg til havs eller på land og havvindmøllen (40), hvor tårnet (17) er forsynt med en landgang (21), og hvor betjeningstrinnet omfatter:

- å flytte fartøyet (10) i tilstøting til innkvarteringsanlegget og tillate personell å gå over landgangen (21) og over på fartøyet;

- å flytte fartøyet (10) til stedet i tilstøting til havvindmøllen (40); og - å tillate personellet å gå over landgangen (21) og over på vindmøllen (40), idet landgangen er anordnet på tårnet (17) slik at landgangen (21) er hevet over havets overflate (3) og en ende av landgangen (21) er posisjonert ved en personellplattform (42) på vindmøllen (40).

14. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i krav 13, hvor trinnet for betjening av fartøyet (10) for å overføre personell blir utført før eller uten at noen funksjonsenhet eller -enheter (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) er sammenføyd med fartøyet.

15. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i hvilket som helst foregående krav, som videre omfatter å betjene fartøyet (10) for å overføre gods eller utstyr fra eller til fartøyet (10), idet tårnet (17) er forsynt med en kran (22) for gods- eller utstyrsoverføring, hvor betjeningstrinnet omfatter:

- å flytte fartøyet i tilstøting til havvindmøllen (40); og - å overføre godset eller utstyret ved bruk av kranen (22), idet kranen (22) er anordnet på tårnet (17) for å være hevet over havets overflate (3) og rekke over mellom tårnet (17) på fartøyet og havvindmøllen (40).

16. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i krav 17, hvor trinnet for betjening av fartøyet (10) for overføring av godset eller utstyret blir utført før eller uten at noen funksjonsenhet eller -enheter (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) er sammenføyd med fartøyet (10).

17. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i hvilket som helst foregående krav, hvor fartøyet (10) omfatter minst én ballast-/trimtank (16) som er innrettet til å kunne forsynes med ballast, og hvor fremgangsmåten omfatter selektivt å senke, heve eller bringe på rett kjøl fartøyet (10) i vannet for å bidra til å posisjonere fartøyet (10) med hensyn til den flytende, sammenføybare funksjonsenhetens (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) bunn for tilkopling til en underside eller side av funksjonsenhetens (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) skrog.

18. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i hvilket som helst foregående krav, hvor den sammenføybare funksjonsenheten (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) som skal fastgjøres på fartøyet (10), eller hvilken eller hvilke som helst av en flerhet av tilgjengelige funksjonsenheter (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) som den funksjonsenheten som skal sammenføyes, velges fra, blir slept til i det minste ett oppstillingssted.

19. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i krav 18, som videre innbefatter å flytte fartøyet (10) til oppstillingsstedet for å sammenføye med den sammenføybare funksjonsenheten (31, 32, 33, 34, 35).

20. Fremgangsmåte som angitt i hvilket som helst foregående krav, hvor den sammenføybare funksjonsenheten (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) ikke har fremdrift.

21. Fartøy (10) som er konfigurert til å tas i bruk i minst én prosess for reparasjon, vedlikehold, montering eller demontering av en havvindmølle (40) til generering av elektrisk strøm eller tilknyttet infrastruktur, hvor fartøyet (10) er k a r a k t e r i s e r t v e d at det omfatter:

- et bredt skrog (15) som er innrettet til å være neddykket under vann, og minst ett smalt tårn (17) som er innrettet til å strekke seg opprett fra skroget (15) når dette er neddykket, og trenge gjennom vannflaten (3);

- posisjoneringsmidler omfattende et dynamisk posisjoneringssystem, propeller (18) innrettet til å virke under styring fra det dynamiske posisjoneringssystemet, og et dybde- og/eller krengningsposisjoneringssystem (16); og

- et fastgjøringssystem for hurtig-fastgjøring/-frigjøring mellom fartøyet og minst én sammenføybar funksjonsenhet (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) for utforming av en kombinert sammenstilling som kan manøvreres av posisjoneringsmidlene;

hvor fartøyet (10) kan betjenes i en første konfigurasjon, uten en sammenføyd funksjonsenhet (31, 32, 33, 34, 35), for å utføre et første repertoar av operasjoner ved bruk av utstyr (21, 22) på fartøyet, hvor det første repertoar av operasjoner innbefatter enten eller både: overføring av personell eller/og overføring av lett gods eller deler; og kan betjenes i en andre konfigurasjon i den kombinerte sammenstillingen, hvor den kombinerte sammenstillingen kan betjenes til å utføre et andre repertoar av operasjoner ved bruk av enten eller både utstyret (21, 22) på fartøyet eller/og utstyret (51a, 51b, 52, 53, 54, 55) på den sammenføyde funksjonsenheten (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) for å utføre minst én operasjon i nevnte prosess, hvor operasjonen i nevnte prosess er én i det andre repertoaret og er fra gruppen omfattende: håndtering eller løfting av deler, gods eller containere; legging eller reparering av havbunnskabel; og holding eller posisjonering av elementer eller seksjoner av havvindmøllen (40) eller tilknyttet infrastruktur.

22. Fartøy som angitt i krav 21, hvor posisjoneringsmidlene innbefatter minst én ballast-/trimtank (16) som er innrettet til å forsynes med ballast for å senke ned eller rette opp fartøyet (10) i vannet for å tillate en del av fartøyet å bli forskjøvet nedenunder bunnen av den sammenføybare funksjonsenheten for tilkopling til denne.

23. Fartøy som angitt i krav 21 eller 22, hvor en side av skroget (15) til fartøyet eller til den sammenføybare enheten (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) omfatter minst ett spor for å romme en fundamentseksjon til en vindmølle i sporet.

24. Fartøy som angitt i hvilket som helst av kravene 21 til 23, hvor tårnet (17) er forsynt med landgang (21) som er konfigurert for personellatkomst mellom fartøyet (10) og et personellarbeidsområde (42) eller en plattform over en overflate (3) av havet på vindmøllen, hvor en ende av landgangen (21) er konfigurert til å være posisjonert på arbeidsområdet (42) eller plattformen.

25. Fartøy som angitt i hvilket som helst av kravene 21 til 24, hvor tårnet (17) er forsynt med en kran (22) for gods- eller utstyrsoverføring mellom tårnet (17) og et atkomstområde (42) eller en plattform på vindmøllen.

26. Fartøy som angitt i hvilket som helst av kravene 21 til 25, hvor et innkvarteringsanlegg (20) er anordnet på tårnet.

27. Sammenstilling omfattende et fartøy (10) som angitt i hvilket som helst av kravene 21 til 26, og minst én sammenføybar funksjonsenhet (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) som er sammenføyd med fartøyet (10).

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Priority

No priority

Patent classes

IPC classes

B63B 35/00

B63B 35/40

B63B 35/66

B63B 1/12

B63H 25/42

CPC classes

B63B 35/003

B63B 35/40

B63B 35/66

B63B 1/12

B63B 1/121

B63H 25/42

Citations

US 2008/135233 A1 (A1)

KR 2015/0047257 A (A)

US 2003/192465 A1 (A1)

NO 2004/2362 A (A)

Applicants, owners and inventors

Owners

REMORA AS

c/o Teekay Norway AS, Postboks 8035 Forus

4068 STAVANGER

NO (STAVANGER Municipality, Rogaland county)

Org. number: 987904097

Inventors

Geir Ove Saltvedt

Astraveien 10

4021 STAVANGER

NO (STAVANGER Municipality, Rogaland county)

Yngve Kloster

Ragnhilds gate 62

4044 HAFRSFJORD

NO (STAVANGER Municipality, Rogaland county)

Agent

HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS

Postboks 9

4068 STAVANGER

NO (STAVANGER Municipality, Rogaland county)

Org. number: 918752900

Reference: P27547NO00

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