Fugro’s QuickVision® allows Heerema to accurately position wind turbines

Using a novel floating Rotor-Nacelle Assembly (RNA) installation method, Heerema is installing wind turbines with the blades already pre-assembled on deck, onto the tower fixed on the foundation. Fugro’s QuickVision® technology allows Heerema to position the RNA remotely and efficiently within strict tolerances, whilst reducing personnel risks traditionally associated with offshore installation operations.

“The QuickVision® system gives us that extra certainty required to install the RNA on the tower whilst removing the need to have engineers visually observing under the load,” says Sándor Hötte, Senior Installation Engineer at Heerema. 

The largest technical challenge for Heerema when using a floating installation vessel is managing the relative motion between the suspended load in the vessel’s heavy lift crane and the top of the fixed foundation tower. Fugro’s QuickVision® technology provides real-time information from the camera system ensuring precise monitoring of the lifting, positioning, and lowering phases of the installation process, allowing Heerema to position the RNA with an accuracy of less than 2 cm.

“With this project for Heerema, we have taken the next step in offshore wind installation support, adding RNA installations to our survey capabilities and expanding the applications for QuickVision®,” says Sjoerd Butter, Product Owner Vision Technologies at Fugro. 

The Arcadis Ost 1 is a 257 MW wind farm and will generate enough green energy to power the equivalent of up to 290,000 households. The installation campaign started in October 2022 and final commissioning is planned in 2023.