ABSTRACT
A significant requirement for further development of floating offshore wind substructures (TLP and semi-submersible) from TRL level 6/7 (prototype) to TRL level 9 (series production) is the substantial reduction of CAPEX and fabrication time. Nearly all current substructure concepts contain cylindrical buoyancy bodies. A universal buoyancy body was developed and is presented within this paper. The buoyancy body can be made in a most (semi-) automatic forming and welding processes. The design of the buoyancy body shell structure is oriented on the design of monopiles, the covers at the top and bottom are made in a steel-concrete-steel sandwich design. The basic design of the buoyancy body can be adapted for several floater types. This paper focuses on its description and structural design. Further on, the manufacturing process of the buoyancy body is outlined and the economic efficiency of the design is exemplified.
