Van Oord successfully installed the Slip Joint foundation at Borssele wind farm site V this week. It is the first time that a submerged Slip Joint has been entirely used on a full-size offshore wind turbine on a fully commercial basis.
Van Oord deployed offshore construction vessel Aeolus to install the Slip Joint foundation this week, after years of developing the system in collaboration with its technology partners.
DNVGL approved the design and manufacture of the Slip Joint in the autumn of 2019, with MottMcDonald reviewing it on bankability aspects.
The Borssele site V project consists of two 9.5 MW wind turbines, and Van Oord was awarded the Balance of Plant scope for this project.
The Slip Joint is an alternate connection between the foundation elements, a monopile, and a transition piece. It consists of two conical parts which are positioned one above the other. The Slip Joint is based on friction, and the weight ensures stability and firmness.
Unlike standard solutions, a submerged connection is made possible by the Slip Joint, allowing for a more balanced weight distribution between monopiles and transition components.
