First Olsen has acquired a 60% stake in the Danish company Universal Foundation A/S, formerly known as MBD Offshore Power A/S, developer of the innovative ‘Bucket Foundation’ for offshore wind installations. The Bucket Foundation is aimed directly at the offshore wind sector and combines a gravity base foundation, a monopole and a suction bucket in one unique design. It is now entering full scale commercial production after nearly a decade of development and several prototype installations.
The Bucket Foundation is rather like a gigantic steel bucket which is lowered into the sea upside down to the ocean floor where it sinks into the sediment sticking fast to the sea bed. Thus anchored, it forms a rock solid foundation for structures such as wind turbines and platforms. Phil de Villiers of the Carbon Trust has estimated that it could save developers at least £5 billion if used for the 6,000 turbines planned over the next decade.
It is expected that the Bucket Foundation will enhance technical performance considerably while reducing costs. The design incorporates a patented cost efficient installation system which controls the vertical alignment of the foundation as it sucks itself into the seabed, thereby reducing installation time. According to Universal Foundation it has the capability to accommodate a variety of site conditions, loadings and operational performance requirements being essentially a fast and controlled all-in-one unit with no dependency on jack-up vessels, nor requirement for seabed preparation, diver operation or transition piece, thereby eliminating also the need for a grouted connection. This also means no pile driving or scour protection is required and the operation can also be reversed so the unit can be removed completely and re-used. It also weighs less than conventional foundation structures.
“Following almost a decade of research, development and testing we are very proud to be in a position to offer a commercial solution to the market together with other Fred Olsen related companies who bring a heritage of relevant experience to the proposition” said Søren A Nielsen, Chief Technology Officer at Universal Foundation.
Remaining interests in Universal Foundation are held by the Danish DONG Energy Power Holding A/S, Novasion ApS and Aalborg University.
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