On mooring systems for oil & gas vs floating wind

Overview

Floating structures used in the extraction of energy offshore require efficient mooring systems to hold station. Oil & gas industry has utilised such systems for over half a century during which they have evolved to a position where fit-for-purpose designs address the subtle differences in operational conditions. Offshore wind industry is on the cusp of an exciting new frontier that will see the increasing use of floating structures to host wind turbines. Early designs of mooring systems show remarkable departures in some areas from the historical design experience. This talk aims to scrutinize, some of the fundamental choices being made that have led to these departures, to conclude on their rationale and where further examination is necessary to ensure that future developments in floating wind are not set back through catastrophic failures.