This is a summary report showcasing the work carried out within the PR45 project, which investigates how tow to port (T2P) operations can be successfully carried out. The study aims to inform the wider industry of key T2P challenges and solutions, in order to avoid operating cost escalation.
As the UK Offshore Wind industry prepares for the installation of large commercial Floating Offshore Wind (FOW) farms, there is a need for a better understanding of the operation and maintenance (O&M) challenges.
One critical new feature of FOW farms is the disconnection of the FOW turbine (FOWT) from the array and its removal to port – referred to in this report as “tow to port” or “T2P”. At present, this is the base case approach to intervention and maintenance on many planned FOW farms. The approach is likely to be prevalent for failures of major components and those involving heavy lift operations.
This document brings guidance on the diverse offshore and port-based elements of T2P together. The aim of the report is to establish the readiness and challenge of T2P operations in- and around the UK. Solutions and recommendations for future work to address the main challenges are provided.
