Scope of work
To support the Cenos OWF environmental consent application and inform future site investigation campaigns, Flotation Energy engaged Global Maritime to conduct several key studies:
- Scour Assessment: A detailed analysis was performed to evaluate scour risk across the site based on proposed foundation sizes, identifying high-risk areas and potential mitigation measures.
- Concept-Level Anchor Sizing: Extensive parametric studies were undertaken to define anchor sizes for driven piles, considering taut and semi-taut mooring systems for semi-sub and TLP floaters, for single and multiple pile option and non redudant and redundant mooring configurations
- Suction Pile Anchor Feasibility: Site wide suitability and size of suction piles was assessed as a noise-free alternative to driven piles, focusing on environmental and installation advantages.
- Pile Drivability & Hammer Optimization: Drivability and hammer optimisation selection studies were conducted to ensure installation feasibility and reduce both environmental impact and construction costs for the driven pile options.
Challenges
Optimized analyses were conducted to capture multiple key variables and deliver foundation efficient anchor sizes. Significant lateral and vertical ground variability introduced complexity to the sensitivity assessments, making it impractical to size caissons individually for each designated area, as originally scoped. In response, Global Maritime developed an efficient alternative sizing strategy, focused on key design drivers. This approach provided the client with a clear, cost-effective, and robust assessment of suction pile feasibility across the site.
Outcome – Results and Deliverables
Key deliverables included a detailed scour assessment report and two anchor design reports covering over 20 anchor/soil combinations for piles and caissons. Hammer size was reduced by over 50% through optimization. Global Maritime’s proprietary software QUASAR was further enhanced to include suction caisson sizing tools for sand and multi-layered soils, as well as a chain–soil interaction module for stratified ground. These developments supported current feasibility assessments and will add long-term value to future offshore foundation/anchoring projects.
