Special ship design and ocean space multi-use synergies

Abstract

This paper introduces the concept of synergistic multi-use between offshore wind and other sectors in the ocean space, to the ship design audience. We study the opportunities that arise when using special ships to service several ocean sectors, thereby realizing some of the synergies for multi-use. Multi-use of the ocean space becomes desirable due to the increasing demand for marine area by growth sectors like offshore wind and offshore aquaculture. We find that the primary opportunities to realizing multi-use synergies from vessels lie in the operational phase. Logistical support, crew transfer, emergency response, accommodation, and some inspection and repair tasks are sufficiently similar across offshore wind and fish farming that multi-use should be considered. The application of the synergistic multi-use concept also extends to other special ship types, such as offshore support vessels serving oil and gas production.