WTIV feeder barge design awarded ABS AIP

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted approval in principle (AIP) to a coordinated design for a wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) in conjunction with an innovative feeder barge system developed by Houston-based design firm Friede and Goldman (F&G).

The Jones Act-compliant barge will feature a lifting system that F&G says reduces motion and increases the window of operational time.

The WTIV design was reviewed in accordance with the ABS 2017 Guidance Notes on Review and Approval of Novel Concepts.