SPT Offshore has received an order from a Chinese client for the design, supply, installation, and support services for two meteorological mast structures.
The two met masts, designed by KCI the engineers B.V., are intended to measure the meteorological and oceanographic data required for the future offshore wind farm developments.
These masts are intended to be installed 30 kilometres offshore in the Yellow Sea at water depths of ~ 31 metres.
The support structure will be a mono-pod supported by a three-suction pile cluster due to its cost-efficiency for these soil conditions, according to KCI.
The advantages of suction pile foundations are less structural steel required compared to the traditional foundations, no necessity of the revolving heavy offshore cranes, no hammers, no mud mats, no pile guides, no levelling systems required, and silent installation, KCI said.
The foundation installation is reversible to enable relocation for re-use or decommissioning purposes.