ABS Approves OO-STAR Floating Wind Foundation Design

(HAMBURG) The OO-STAR floater, designed to support the largest wind turbines in the world in the harshest offshore environments, has received approval in principle (AIP) from ABS.

The concrete semi-submersible floating wind foundation from CBNA, a subsidiary of Bouygues Construction, is designed according to a database of wind and metocean patterns both for a test site in the North Sea and to accommodate a turbine of over 20 MW. ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements using the ABS Guide for Building and Classing Floating Offshore Wind Turbines.

“The OO-STAR design promises a solution to meet the unique challenges of both the West and East coast environments in the U.S., and application all over the world, which makes this a technology with significant potential for the development of renewable energy production globally,” said Rob Langford, ABS Vice President, Global Offshore Renewables.

Bertrand Burtschell, CEO of Bouygues Travaux Publics, said: “The AIP issued by ABS is significant for us as it marks the first step in certifying a credible design, fit for construction and industrialization. Calling on our recent experience of mass producing the 71 concrete gravity-based structures on the Fécamp wind farm, we are working hard on the design of lean and efficient production lines aimed at securing the delivery of OO-STAR floaters at an industrial scale and at a pace compatible with cost-efficient project execution plans.”

ABS is a trusted partner for offshore wind stakeholders by delivering advisory and technical review solutions that help minimize risk and enhance safety for offshore wind projects. For more information on ABS Global Offshore Renewables services, click here. The ABS Guide for Building and Classing Floating Offshore Wind Turbinesis available here.