Feasibility study for wrap-buoy assisted wet-tow and stepwise installation of mono-bucket foundation for 15 MW offshore wind turbine

An innovative concept for wet-transportation and stepwise installation of mono-bucket foundation for 15 MW offshore wind turbine is proposed. Case studies for two different mono-bucket and wrap-buoy dimensions are conducted and their hydrostatic and hydrodynamic performances are compared for both wet-towing and lowering operations. The intact stability and transient responses are analyzed in detail for various stages of lowering operation. Wave-induced motion statistics during wet tow in sea state 4 (highest operational window) are checked. The proposed concept is found to be feasible and can be an alternative cost-effective solution without using heavy-lift crane vessel in practice.