BargeRack TM EQUIPMENT PACKAGE
The BargeRack is a Jones Act compliant , modular equipment package that is added to a WTIV which allows a feeder barge to dock and then be lifted out of the water . The system was developed to fulfill the industry need for a simple feeder solution for offshore wind turbine construction in the United States . This system drastically reduces capital expenditure by eliminating the need for new-built Jones-Act Compliant WTIVs and gives existing vessel owners the opportunity to build wind farms in the United States with their existing foreign-built assets .
F & G ’ s patent-pending BargeRack system is a pair of L-shaped fork-lift-type structures which are raised and lowered using a dedicated rack and pinion jacking system , mounted within a cantilevered structure . The barge , with its cargo , will be floated over the top of the L-shaped structures and secured with mooring lines . Once secured , the BargeRack ’ s self-contained jacking system will raise the barge out of the water until the bottom of the rack is even with the WTIV baseline . From this position , the WTIV ’ s crane can be used to install the wind turbine components directly from the barge onto a pre-installed seabed supported foundation using typical fixed-fixed lifting and typical installation methods . Once turbine components are installed , the BargeRack will jack down , and the barge is floated off .
For an animation showing the BargeRack concept in operation , refer to the following link : BargeRack Animation : https :// youtu . be / 8GwXmJJ4uP4 ? si = v847Xe8EQyw- DUe49
Key Highlights :
• US Jones Act Compliant Solution
• Utilizes existing barge fleet ( no custom barges required )
• Fixed-fixed wind turbine component lifts ( eliminates barge motions )
• No double handling wind turbine components
• High Workability with 2.5m Hs design sea-state ( proven with model testing )
• Capacity is Scalable ( Detailed versions available for 15 to 20MW +)
• Removable to allow WTIV to perform a standard T & I campaign
• Safety First 1 . No offshore personnel transfers required
( unmanned barge operations ) 2 . Barge DP system remotely controlled from WTIV
Independent Verification :
• ABS and DNV Class Approval in Principle
• DNVGL Noble Denton Marine Warranty Approval
1 . Conducted Failure Modes and Effect Analysis ( FMEA )
• Successful Model Testing at Marine Institute Netherlands ( MARIN )
• Supported by Major Turbine Manufacturers ( Siemens , Vestas , and GE )
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Awards & Recognition :
• OJME Technology Innovation Award
• Ventus Award Finalist
The BargeRack system is built upon F & G ’ s extensive expertise in cantilevered oil and gas drilling , drawing from over 75 years of experience to ensure a robust and reliable design . The class approvals and model testing of the system offer operators a clear indication of its technical readiness and performance capabilities . We are currently partnering with wind turbine installation contractors to retrofit the BargeRack onto their existing fleets and incorporate its capabilities into the design of next-generation WTIVs .
In addition , F & G is actively exploring new ways to enhance the versatility of the BargeRack system , aiming to expand its range of applications and further solidify its value as an essential asset for clients ’ fleets . By broadening the system ’ s capabilities , F & G seeks to ensure that the BargeRack remains a highly adaptable and reliable solution for a variety of operational needs .
24 | January-February 2025 | www . rigsbargeworld . com