Technical & regulatory developments to support innovative offshore wind vessel

Abstract

Over the last few years offshore wind industry has become a key contributor to the transformation of the world energy sources. This transformation is driven not only by the increased demand of energy coming from emerging countries but also by the increased awareness about climate change. To keep on developing this industry, offshore wind farms are now moving further from shore and into deeper water. In addition, to fight back against other energy sources, an outstanding effort is requested to the whole supply chain, including vessels serving this industry, to reduce costs. This paper will explain how the development of new technologies certainly helps to solve the complex equation that the offshore wind industry is facing today. In addition, this paper will describe how classification societies support these developments by providing a constructive regulatory scope to ensure that this innovative vessels can meet this challenge without compromising on safety and while reducing their environmental impact.