As offshore wind turbines continue to grow, installation vessels face increasing demands for higher load capacity, greater efficiency, and tighter project schedules. GustoMSC, NOV’s offshore design and engineering business, developed its new asymmetrical rack & pinion (ASYM R&P) technology to address those challenges without increasing vessel size, weight, or system complexity.
ASYM R&P technology builds on decades of experience in rack & pinion jacking systems. The patent pending technology improves how loads are distributed throughout the existing system architecture, creating a more efficient use of structural capacity within the same vessel footprint.
“The offshore wind industry is under pressure to install larger turbines more efficiently while reducing LCOE and controlling project economics,” said Marc Doorduin, Commercial Director Fixed Wind, GustoMSC. “With ASYM R&P technology, we rethought how loads are distributed within rack & pinion jacking systems. The result is higher capacity within the same platform footprint. It gives vessel owners and operators more flexibility as offshore wind projects continue to scale.”
Rather than relying on conventional scaling methods that require larger components and added weight, ASYM R&P technology increases performance through an asymmetrical design integrated into GustoMSC’s established rack & pinion jacking system and jack-up design.
As offshore wind projects move into deeper waters and challenging environments with larger turbine classes, installation vessels will need to handle higher loads and larger components without sacrificing efficiency or increasing complexity. ASYM R&P technology reflects NOV’s continued focus on advancing practical, field-ready solutions that help clients prepare for the next phase of offshore wind development.
