Informing the selection of mooring and anchor systems for floating offshore wind farms based on a review of existing projects

National and international climate objectives, along with sustainable development targets, are driving the rapid growth of the offshore renewable energy sector. At the forefront of this industry is offshore wind. While fixed offshore wind technology has reached maturity, its application is limited to water depths of 60 meters, restricting access for nations interested in adopting offshore wind solutions. Hence, the wind industry is actively pursuing the advancement of floating offshore wind technology.

Choosing the right floating foundation, mooring systems, and anchors for a project is crucial and it is vital to customize and optimize of the design of these systems based on site-specific factors like water depth, environmental conditions, and seabed morphology. These systems play a critical role in securing the turbine during severe environmental events and contribute, alongside the floating platform, to the overall hydrodynamic stability. In addition, the lifespan of a floating offshore wind turbine is greatly influenced by the selection of a reliable mooring system and anchor type, emphasizing potential cost savings compared to systems requiring mid-life line replacements with higher operational costs.

This research is set to address a significant gap in our knowledge by creating a decision matrix for selecting mooring and anchor setups in floating offshore wind projects. Furthermore, we'll address certain challenges associated with floating structures, like sediment mobility and interactions of structures with the seafloor, which can pose significant risks to marine structures. These issues are often primary factors that risk the stability and integrity of offshore structures in marine and coastal environments. Investigating and modelling these phenomena are essential steps to minimize the risk of failure in projects. The process involves carefully studying successful past projects, closely examining the geotechnical data and seabed condition, metocean data, and thoroughly evaluating how the platforms are designed.

Furthermore, the study also considers the Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), a crucial project led by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), offering valuable insights as an illuminating case study for potential future projects. This study will conduct an extensive review to assess various types of anchors that could be suitable for our designated study area. By integrating insights from prior projects and gaining a nuanced comprehension of water movements, we aim to make thorough and well-informed decisions regarding optimal parameters. These parameters encompass crucial aspects such as location, water depth, foundation type, and mooring specifications.

Keywords: floating offshore wind foundation, mooring, anchors, sediment mobility