Monobase Wind, in collaboration with Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd., proudly announces the remarkable success of the MSPAR floating foundation model tests, conducted at the Oceanide maritime testing facility in Toulon, France. The scale 1:44 model tests, completed on March 11, 2022, surpassed expectations, marking a significant advancement in the development of the MSPAR offshore floating wind turbine foundation concept.
Developed as a joint project by Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. (Republic of Korea) and Monobase Wind B.V. (The Netherlands), the MSPAR concept is a patent-pending innovation that combines a semi-submersible and SPAR design. The model tests, conducted over three weeks at the Oceanide facility in Seyne sur Mer near Toulon, showcased exceptional stability and behavior during transport, installation, and in-place conditions, well within industry standards and parameters.
The success of the MSPAR model tests positions the concept for the next stages of development, including Approval in Principle (AIP) and the creation of a full-scale prototype. A summary video of the tests, demonstrating the model’s SPAR motion behavior and minimal accelerations in varied met-ocean conditions, can be accessed on YouTube.
The MSPAR floating foundation design stands out for its unique features, including the ability for complete assembly at the quayside, tow-out using tugs, and an in-place draft exceeding 70 meters. The compact dimensions enable efficient logistics, while maximizing local content for fabrication, installation, and maintenance. The design also incorporates substantial reductions in CO2 emissions during transport and installation.
Designed to accommodate 15-20 MW turbines in water depths exceeding 90 meters and harsh sea states, the MSPAR offers innovative solutions for serial production and supply chain optimization. Leveraging over 20 years of combined experience in maritime structural design, fabrication for port and harbor facilities, naval and offshore industry expertise, and renewable energy business insights, the consortium aims to fast-track the development of the MSPAR concept.
“We are thrilled by the exceptional results of the MSPAR model tests, demonstrating its stability and efficiency under diverse conditions,” said David Hoek, representative of Monobase Wind. “This success propels us toward the next milestones of Basic Design and certification, with the goal of presenting a full-scale demonstrator to the market by 2023/2024.”
The MSPAR floating foundation concept represents a groundbreaking step in offshore wind technology, showcasing the consortium’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and driving positive change in the renewable energy sector.
