Offshore storage for floating wind

Within the complex system of offshore energy projects to be further expanded in the North Sea, DIOL will design spatial planning scenarios and define feasible technical solutions for (temporary) storage options at sea (e.g. floaters, barges,...) of floating wind turbines´ components and equipment, freeing up space on quaysides and inner-harbours.

The selection of maritime storage areas in the vicinity of Brest Port requires involving several decision-making groups (e.g. maritime authorities, harbour master, pilots) as the site must meet several
criteria:

environmental ones (wind/tides/bathymetry/currents);
maritime safety (navigation channels/areas under navy authority;
other activities (aquaculture/leisure areas).

A Working Group was setup, with the captain of BrestPort, the navy and PREMAR (maritime prefecture) in charge of safety/security of the maritime space. A strategic study was realised that takes into account the production/integration of the components and the max storage capacity on/around the terminal to reduce the number of masts/floaters stored at sea. Different maritime storage techniques were studied and different spaces identified to avoid extra risk for maritime trafic in the port channel.