MARIN tests crash barriers to avert collisions of ships with wind turbines

Dutch maritime research institute MARIN this week tested three innovative barriers aimed at averting collisions between ships and wind turbines.

The research was prompted by the incident involving the Julietta D on 31 January this year. This drifting bulk carrier initially collided with a tanker before hitting a transformer platform and a turbine foundation for the Hollandse Kust Zuid windfarm currently under construction. A collision with an installed wind turbine carries a real risk of the turbine toppling onto the vessel, seriously endangering crew, passengers, the ship itself and the environment. Urgency Some 2500 wind turbines are set to be installed on the North Sea in the period to 2030, taking the risk of a turbine being hit by a ship to around 1.5... ... More: Official Press Release MARIN

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Marin, Netherlands, research, crash, ship, wind turbine, wind farm, barrier, collision, drifting, urgency, danger, offshore