The Anonymous Widower

Why Monopile Lowering Is Becoming A Critical Load Case For Jack-Ups

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.

This is the sub-heading.

As offshore wind monopiles continue to increase in size, the installation phase is emerging as a key structural design consideration for jack-up vessels. According to a recent GustoMSC study, loads generated during monopile lowering can approach — and in some cases exceed — those associated with extreme survival conditions.

This paragraph adds more detail.

With monopile diameters now exceeding 10 metres and weights surpassing 2,000 tonnes, installation dynamics are becoming increasingly complex. The challenge is no longer simply about crane capacity. Instead, the interaction between the suspended monopile and the supporting jack-up is becoming a governing factor.

In the 1970s, I worked on a similar problem as a consultant to a Cambridge company called Balaena Structures.

I described the Balaena in The Balaena Lives, but I believe the design could be applied to a large monopole foundation for a large wind turbine.

• The idea came from two Cambridge University engineering professors, who were much older than me, so they’ve probably passed on.
• The design was patented.
• None were built, as no-one ordered one.
• The computer, that I ran the simulation on doesn’t exist anymore.
• But, I’m fairly certain, I could create a design of XXL Monopile for the world’s largest wind turbine.
• The Balaena was designed to be reuseable.
• I did all the calculations and I believe that the Balaena could be turned into an easier-to-handle XXL Monopole.

None of the details of this project are written down, but they are locked safely in my head.

August 19, 2026 - Posted by AnonW | Energy, Energy Storage | Balaena Structures, Cambridge University, Engineering, Offshore Wind Power, Simulation, Structures, Wind Power, XXL Monopile