Heavy transport and load-out of the TetraSpar floating offshore wind foundation

Moving a 1,200-tonne floater is a substantial operation. Doing so in an active port, while coordinating multiple contractors and preparing the components for offshore transport, adds another layer of complexity.

At the Port of Grenaa in Denmark, BMS Group contributed to the assembly and handling of the TetraSpar Demonstrator, a floating foundation developed by Stiesdal Offshore Technologies.

Heavy lifting and transport for floating offshore wind

TetraSpar is designed to support offshore wind turbines in deeper waters, where conventional fixed-bottom foundations are no longer suitable.

The demonstrator was assembled at the quayside in Grenaa before being transported to its offshore location in Norway.

BMS Group supported the project with a combination of specialised transport equipment, cranes, truck-mounted lifts, port handling and barge loading operations.

52 SPMT axle lines for the load-out

A central part of the operation involved moving two major foundation components: the 1,200-tonne floater and the 900-tonne keel section.

Using 52 SPMT axle lines, the components were moved and positioned for onward transport.

The work involved coordination across several BMS Group companies: BMS Krangården, BMS Engineering, BMS Lifts, BMS Heavy Cranes and Torben Rafn A/S.

From port operations to offshore installation

After assembly and handling in Grenaa, the TetraSpar Demonstrator was towed to Norway in July 2021.

The project highlights the importance of integrating heavy transport, crane operations and logistics when handling large components for floating offshore wind developments.