WINDSPIDER
One solution – many opportunities
WindSpider is an innovative and cost-efficient lifting solution for installation and major component replacement of onshore and offshore wind turbines. Our self-erecting lifting technology is unique in the way it utilizes the wind turbine tower as support for the crane structure, which results in many attractive features and benefits, such as:
- Eliminating issues with relative motion between the WindSpider crane and the wind turbine.
- Solution scalable to over 1500 tonnes of effective lifting capacity, with no height restrictions.
- Increased operability, as WindSpider can operate at very high wind speeds.
- No requirements for design changes to wind turbine or tower.
- Modular and practical design that allows for effective transport by road or sea.
- Compatibility with existing vessels and barges, providing a cost-efficient alternative to purpose-built vessels.
- A cost-efficient solution to complying with the Jones Act requirements in the United States.
Our products include the WindSpider Crane, the Dolly Crane and the Blade Tool.
WindSpider Crane
Winch luffing crane prepared for next generations of wind turbines.
- Suitable for installation of wind turbines onshore, inshore & offshore (bottom-fixed and floating).
- Lifting capacity that can be scaled to over 1500 tonnes with no lifting height limitations.
- Can perform lifting operations on floating wind turbines on site, at sea.
- Onshore & quayside operability in winds up to 18 m/s.
- Compatibility with existing vessels and barges.
WindSpider Dolly Crane
Efficient crane system for controlled removal and installation of nacelle components.
- Suitable for onshore & offshore operations, on fixed and floating turbines.
- Solves the tow-back challenge in floating wind, by allowing for cost-saving component replacement on site.
- Travels up and down the WindSpider structure built around the turbine tower, allowing for controlled replacement of components.
- Ideal for maintenance jobs with a lifting capacity of up to 400 tonnes.
- No lifting height limitations.
- Very good operability at high wind speeds.
- Quick mobilization time and a cost-efficient solution for offshore component replacement.
WindSpider Blade Tool
Superior solution for controlled installation and exchange of turbine blades.
- Suitable for on- and offshore operations, on floating and bottom-fixed wind turbines.
- Travels up and down the WindSpider structure built around the turbine tower, allowing for controlled installation and exchange of blades, even in very windy conditions.
- Lifting capacity that can be scaled to match the requirements of future generations of wind turbine blades.
- Can be adjusted against the hub in all directions.
- Offers safe and steady control of the root end of the blade while connecting to the hub.
WindSpider Benefits
Heavier & Higher
Has the capacity to lift a +1500 tonnes heavy nacelle at +200 meters of height – prepared for next generations of wind turbines
Flexible Mobilization
By conventional crane from quay, barge or vessel, or roll-on system – offshore /inshore
Game changer for offshore floating wind
Enables maintenance and replacement of parts of floating wind turbines on site, offshore
Flexible WindSpider installation
WindSpider deck can be mounted on transition piece, tower, or integrated with the floater
Significant cost savings
A scalable and modular solution that reduces end-customer cost by +50% and offers improved LCOE for offshore wind
Flexible vessel
Can use different types of vessels for installation and maintenance as no high lift from vessel is required
Schedule
Operates at a similar or improved time schedule vs today’s solutions, both inshore and offshore
Harsh environment
Designed for harsh and challenging offshore conditions, improving operability
Availability & Uptime
Improved availability of WindSpider vs other installation vessels, reduces wind turbine downtime
No relative motion & improved HSE
No issues with relative motion between the WindSpider crane and the turbine/tower, offering improved HSE