GustoMSC has introduced a patent-pending asymmetrical rack & pinion technology designed to increase the jacking capacity of offshore wind installation vessels without making the vessel larger or adding system weight and complexity.
The ASYM R&P technology comes as offshore wind turbines continue to grow in size. Larger turbine components are placing higher load demands on installation vessels, while project teams are still expected to maintain efficient operations and delivery schedules.
According to GustoMSC, NOV’s offshore design and engineering business, the new system builds on its experience in rack & pinion jacking technology. The design changes how loads are distributed across the existing jacking arrangement, allowing more effective use of structural capacity within the same vessel footprint.
Rather than using bigger components to achieve higher performance, the technology applies an asymmetrical layout within GustoMSC’s established rack & pinion systems and jack-up vessel designs. The company said this approach allows installation vessels to handle higher load requirements without moving toward heavier or more complex equipment.
The development is aimed at future offshore wind projects in deeper waters and more demanding operating areas. As turbine capacities increase, installation vessels will need to manage larger components while keeping systems efficient and straightforward to operate.
GustoMSC said ASYM R&P technology supports that requirement by improving capacity within the current system architecture. The technology also reflects NOV’s focus on practical engineering solutions for the next stage of offshore wind installation.
