ARRANGEMENT FOR LOADING MONOPILES ONTO A VESSEL DECK

Abstract

An arrangement (100) is provided for loading an elongated element (1500) onto a support surface (301) of a floating body such as a vessel (300). The arrangement (100) has a hoisting device (302) and one or more storage structures (201, 202, 203, 204), adapted for holding an individual elongated element (1500) in lying condition while being sea-fastened. At least one longitudinal and a transverse skidding system is provided, operable independently. The longitudinal and transverse skidding system each have one or more transport carts (401, 601) displaceable over the support surface (301) according to a path in longitudinal respectively transverse direction, and any of the transport carts (401, 601) are equipped with a support cradle (403, 611). The one or more support cradles of both the longitudinal and transverse skidding system are adapted to carry an elongated element extending in longitudinal direction.

Claims

1. An arrangement for loading an elongated element onto a support surface of a floating body such as a vessel, the arrangement comprising: a hoisting device; a storage system comprising one or more storage structures, each storage structure adapted for holding an individual elongated element in lying condition while being sea-fastened, wherein the length direction of a held elongated element corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the arrangement; wherein: the arrangement comprises at least one longitudinal and a transverse skidding system, operable independently, the longitudinal and transverse skidding system each comprising one or more transport carts displaceable over the support surface according to a path in longitudinal respectively transverse direction, and any of the transport carts being equipped with a support cradle, the one or more support cradles of both the longitudinal and transverse skidding system being adapted to carry an elongated element extending in longitudinal direction; the arrangement is adapted for receiving an elongated element loaded with the hoisting device by the longitudinal skidding system; transporting an elongated element in longitudinal direction by means of the longitudinal skidding system; transferring an elongated element between the longitudinal skidding system and the transverse skidding system; transporting an elongated element in transverse direction by means of the transverse skidding system; transferring an elongated element between the transverse skidding system and any of the respective storage structures of the storage system.

2. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement comprises an upending device, adapted for upending an elongated element positioned in lying condition at the support surface towards an upright position, the central axis of the lying elongated element received in the upending device defining an upending line at the support surface, and wherein the longitudinal path followed by the one or more longitudinal transport carts corresponds to the upending line, thereby allowing to shift an elongated element carried by the longitudinal skidding system in the upending device.

3. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement comprises a bumper device positioned at the support surface, the bumper device comprising a bumper element, for example a bumper arm, adapted to be arranged between an elongated element carried by a first storage structure, the first storage structure being positioned next to longitudinal path of the longitudinal skidding system without any other storage structure therebetween, and an elongated element received by the longitudinal skidding system, thereby protecting an elongated element carried by the first storage structure from contact with an elongated element loaded onto the longitudinal skidding system.

4. The arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the bumper device is foldable, such that in folded condition the bumper device is retracted, thereby allowing passing of an elongated element over the folded bumper device when being transported by the transverse skidding system.

5. The arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the bumper device is foldable, such that in folded condition the bumper device is retracted, thereby allowing unhindered displacement of the one or more longitudinal transport carts.

6. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein each of the support cradles of the transverse skidding system is adjustable in height, thereby allowing to move any of the transverse transport carts, with empty support cradle and the support cradle in lowered condition, underneath an elongated element carried by the longitudinal skidding system, and to lift the elongated element from the longitudinal skidding system by raising the support cradles of the transverse skidding system, and allowing to move any of the transverse transport carts, with empty support cradle and the support cradle in lowered condition, underneath an elongated element carried by one of the storage structures, and to lift the elongated element from the storage structure by raising the support cradles of the transverse skidding system.

7. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein each of the longitudinal and transverse skidding system comprises a track adapted to guide the one or more transport carts, the track comprising one or more rails extending in longitudinal respectively transverse direction, and any of the transport carts adapted to slide over the one or more rails.

8. The arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the one or more longitudinal rails are continuous rails, and the one or more transverse rails are interrupted, thereby allowing crossing with the longitudinal rails, or the one or more transverse rails are continuous rails, and the one or more longitudinal rails are interrupted, thereby allowing crossing with the transverse rails.

9. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the one or more transport carts of the longitudinal skidding system are driven by a rack and pinion drive system, and the one or more transport carts of the transverse skidding system are driven by a push-pull system, or the one or more transport carts of the transverse skidding system are driven by a rack and pinion drive system, and the one or more transport carts of the longitudinal skidding system are driven by a push-pull system, the rack and pion drive system comprising a toothed rack mounted to the support surface, and the push-pull system comprising a perforated track mounted to the support surface, wherein the toothed rack is continuous and the perforated track is interrupted, thereby allowing crossing with the toothed rack.

10. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein any of the transport carts of the longitudinal and transverse skidding system receives power via an electric cable connected to the transport cart.

11. The arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the electric cable connected to a transverse transport cart is positioned in a cable chain or drag chain, of which one end is fixed to the support surface of the floating body and the other end is fixed to the transport cart.

12. The arrangement according to claim 11, wherein any of the longitudinal transport carts is equipped with a reel, adapted for rolling and unrolling the electric cable, and any of the electric cables connected to a longitudinal transport cart is positioned in a cable trench provided at the support surface of the floating body.

13. Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement further comprises: a tool, adapted for coupling to an end of an elongated element; a tool storage cradle, adapted for holding the tool while being sea-fastened; a tool skidding system comprising a skidding unit, wherein: the skidding unit is displaceable over the support surface along the longitudinal path defined by the longitudinal skidding system, towards an elongated element being in lying condition and being supported by at least one of the support cradles of the longitudinal skidding system; the tool storage cradle is comprised in the skidding unit, thereby allowing to transport the tool over the support surface according to the longitudinal direction, from a storage location towards the end of the elongated element, while the tool is held in a storage position by the tool storage cradle; the skidding unit is adapted to guide the tool while being brought from the storage position in the tool storage cradle, to a coupling position wherein the tool can be coupled to the end of the elongated element by means of a coupling system, thereby constraining movements of the tool while bringing it into the coupling position.

14. A vessel for installing an elongated element, the vessel comprising an arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the support surface is comprised in the deck of the vessel, and the support surface extends according to a length direction of the vessel, from forward to aft of the vessel, and wherein the arrangement is installed such that the longitudinal direction corresponds to the length direction of the vessel.

15. A method for loading an elongated element onto a support surface of a floating body such as a vessel, the method comprising: providing an arrangement according to claim 1; and subsequently executing the steps of: loading an elongated element with the hoisting device; receiving the loaded elongated element by the one or more support cradles of the longitudinal skidding system; transporting the elongated element carried by the longitudinal skidding system, by displacing the one or more longitudinal transport carts along the longitudinal path; transferring the elongated element carried by the longitudinal skidding system to the one or more support cradles of the transverse skidding system; transporting the elongated element carried by the transverse skidding system, by displacing the one or more transverse transport carts along the transverse path, transferring the elongated element carried by the transverse skidding system to one of the storage structures.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0118] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show an arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0119] FIG. 3 shows a vessel provided with the arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0120] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 give a more detailed view of the longitudinal skidding system, comprised in the arrangement of FIG. 1.

[0121] FIG. 6 to FIG. 11 give a more detailed view of the transverse skidding system, comprised in the arrangement of FIG. 1.

[0122] FIG. 12 illustrates the combination of a longitudinal and transverse skidding system, comprised in the arrangement of FIG. 1.

[0123] FIG. 13 gives a more detailed view of the bumper device comprised in the arrangement of FIG. 1.

[0124] FIG. 14 gives a more detailed view of the tool skidding system comprised in the arrangement of FIG. 1.

[0125] FIG. 15 to FIG. 24 illustrate the use of the vessel of FIG. 3, during a loading and upending process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

[0126] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate an arrangement 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The arrangement 100 is suitable for use on a support surface of a floating body such as a vessel 300, as is shown in FIG. 3. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the vessel 300 is a vessel for installing monopiles, and the support surface 301 makes part of the deck of the vessel 300.

[0127] FIG. 1 shows that the arrangement 100 comprises a longitudinal skidding system and a transverse skidding system. The longitudinal skidding system comprises a track 105 extending in longitudinal direction X, and two skids 101, 102, the latter being displaceable over the longitudinal track 105. The transverse skidding system comprises two tracks 106, 110 extending in transverse direction X, and two skids 103, 104, the latter being displaceable over the respective transverse track 106, 110. In the shown embodiment, the arrangement further comprises a bumper device 107, and a tool skidding system comprising a skidding unit 108 and tool 109.

[0128] FIG. 2 shows that the arrangement 100 comprises a storage system. The storage system comprises four storage structures 201, 202, 203, 204, according to four respective storage lines 205, 206, 207, 208. Every storage structure 201, 202, 203, 204 comprises two spaced-apart storage cradles 209, 210, provided with saddles, and is adapted to carry a monopile in lying condition, while being sea-fastened. Four monopiles may thus be stored next to each other by the storage system, with their central axes in parallel, wherein the length direction these lying monopiles defines the longitudinal direction X of the arrangement 100.

[0129] FIG. 3 shows that for the shown embodiment of the vessel 300, the longitudinal direction of the arrangement 100 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vessel 300, from bow to stern. The longitudinal direction X and transverse direction Y define a horizontal plane, and the Z-direction or height direction is perpendicular to the horizontal XY-plane.

[0130] FIG. 3 further shows that the arrangement 100 comprises a hoisting device or crane 302. The crane 302 is adapted for loading a monopile onto the deck of the vessel 300, and for upending a monopile to an upright position when the crane 302 is connected to an end of the monopile. The arrangement further comprises an upending device 303. In the shown embodiment, the upending device comprises an openable and closable cage-like structure, which, after closing, forms a closed ring structure surrounding the monopile, as is shown in FIG. 22. The upending device 303 is adapted to guide and support a monopile while being pivoted from the lying condition towards an upright condition, before lowering the pile towards the seabed. When a monopile is positioned in lying condition in the upending device 303, its central axis defines a upending line 304 at the deck, as is schematically indicated in FIG. 3.

[0131] The longitudinal track 105 allows the skids 101, 102 to be displaced in longitudinal direction X over the deck, along the upending line 304. The skidding unit 108 of the tool skidding system is displaceable in longitudinal direction X using the same track 105 as the longitudinal skidding system. The two transverse skids 103, 104 are displaceable over the deck in transverse direction, from side to side of vessel 300, using the two respective tracks 106 and 110.

[0132] The storage structures 201-204 define a storage area at the deck, extending over a longitudinal range at the deck, and comprising the four storage lines 205-208 at different transverse positions. Two storage lines 205, 206 are found at one side of the upending line 304, and two storage lines 207, 208 are found at the other side of the upending line 304. Apart from storing four monopiles in the storage structures 201-204 during sailing, an additional fifth monopile may be stored at the position of the upending line 304.

[0133] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 give a more detailed view of the longitudinal skidding system. The first longitudinal skid 101 comprises a transport cart 401 and a support cradle 403, and the second longitudinal skid 102 comprises a transport cart 402 and a support cradle 404. The support cradle 404 comprises four saddles 501-504, together conforming to the curved shape of a monopile. The transport carts 401, 402 are adapted to slide over two rails 407, 408 extending in longitudinal direction. The transport carts 401, 402 are driven by a rack-and-pinion drive system. For this purpose, a toothed rack 409 extending in longitudinal direction is provided at the deck, and the transport carts are equipped with pinions 500. The longitudinal skids 101, 102 receive power via an electric cable 410, and are equipped with an HPU 406 and cable reel 405. The electric cable 410 is positioned in a cable trench, such that it does not hinder displacement of the transverse skids 103, 104. The aft skid 101 is connected directly to vessel power, while the forwards skid 102 is connected to the aft skid 101.

[0134] FIG. 6 to FIG. 11 give a more detailed view of the transverse skidding system. The transverse skidding system comprises two skids 103, 104 and two tracks 106, 110. The design of both transverse skids and both transverse tracks is similar, and is discussed underneath with respect to the first transverse skid 103. FIG. 6 shows that the skid 103 comprises a transport cart 601 and a support cradle 611, wherein the support cradle 611 comprises four saddles 607-610. The support cradle 611 has an adjustable height, as is illustrated in FIG. 6 to 8. For this purpose, the two saddles 607, 608 are mounted to a first structure 702, provided with a first hydraulic piston 700, and the two saddles 609, 610 are mounted to a second structure 703, provided with a second hydraulic piston 701. FIG. 7 shows that the pistons 700, 701 allows to raise the structures 702, 703, thereby increasing the height of the support cradle 611 without altering its shape. Moreover, FIG. 8 shows that both the first and second structure 702, 703 can be tilted with respect to cart 601, thereby changing the shape of the support cradle 611. In particular, the relatively flat shape of the cradle 611 in FIGS. 6 and 7 is changed towards a more curved shape, wherein the four saddles 607-610 together conform to the curved shape of the monopile.

[0135] The transport cart 601 is adapted to slide over two rails 602, 604 extending in transverse direction. The transport cart 601 is driven by a push-pull system. For this purpose, a perforated track 603 extending in transverse direction is provided at the deck. A hydraulic push-pull cylinder 900 and pin 901 are mounted to the cart 601 the pin 901 fitting in the apertures 902 of the perforated track 603, as is shown in FIG. 9. An HPU 606 is mounted to the transport cart 601, and the skid 103 receives power via an electric cable connected to the cart 601. The electric cable is positioned in a drag chain 605. FIG. 10 shows that one end 1001 of the drag chain 605 is connected to the transport cart 601, and the other end 1000 is connected to the deck, at a position where the transverse track 106 crosses with the longitudinal track 105. When the transverse skids 103, 104 are displaced in transverse direction, towards the other side of the vessel like is shown in FIG. 11, the drag chain 605 follows the skids accordingly. On the other hand, when the transverse skids 103, 104 are positioned at one side of the upending line, namely at the side of the connection point 1000 of the drag chains 605, like is shown in FIG. 10, then the longitudinal skids 101, 102 are not hindered by the electric cables or drag chains 605 of the transverse skids 103, 104.

[0136] FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 show that the rails 407, 408 and toothed rack 409 of the longitudinal skidding system are uninterrupted. Conversely, the rails 602, 604 and perforated track 603 of the transverse skidding system are interrupted, see gaps 1002, thereby allowing for crossing with the longitudinal track. In view of crossing the gaps 1002 in the transverse tracks 106, 110, the transverse skids 103, 104 are driven by a push-pull system, as described above, and not with a rack-and-pinion drive system like the longitudinal skids 101, 102. In an alternative embodiment, both the transverse and longitudinal skids could be driven by a push-pull system. Moreover, the transport cart 601 comprises a sliding block 600, of which the size is larger than the size of the gaps 1002, thereby allowing the sliding block to cross a gap. Also remark that some clearance 1200 is present between an end of the interrupted rails 602, 604 and the continuous rails 407, 408, thereby allowing the transport cart of the longitudinal skid 101 to travel over the continuous rails 407, 408 without engaging with the ends of the interrupted rails 602, 604.

[0137] FIG. 13 gives a more detailed view of the bumper device 107. FIG. 13(a) illustrates the state wherein the bumper device 107 is in use, i.e. in unfolded condition, and FIG. 13(b) illustrates the state wherein the bumper device 107 is not in use, i.e. in folded or retracted condition. The bumper device 107 comprises a bumper arm 1300, mounted to a frame 1301. The bumper device 107 may be folded down as a whole, by pivoting around axis 1303, using hydraulic piston 1302, thereby reaching the folded condition of FIG. 13(b). In this retracted condition, a monopile being displaced in transverse direction may pass over the folded bumper device 107, and the longitudinal skids 101, 102 can be displaced without any hinder. Furthermore, the bumper arm 1300 is pivotable with respect to the frame 1301, via pin 1304.

[0138] FIG. 14 gives a more detailed view of the tool skidding system, for storing, displacing and guiding a tool 109. In the shown embodiment, the tool 109 is a coupling tool, adapted to be coupled to an end of a monopile while it is in lying condition on the support surface 301, before upending of the monopile. The coupling tool 109 comprises a cross-shaped structure 1403, and clamping members 1404, wherein the latter may engage with the outer lateral surface of a monopile. The coupling tool 109 further comprises a lifting member 1406, which may be connected to the crane 302 before upending. The cross-shaped structure 1403 may pivot with respect to the lifting member 1406, around pin 1405. In this way, the orientation of the cross-shaped structure and clamping members 1404 may change with respect to the lifting member 1406, during upending of the monopile by the crane. The coupling tool 109 allows for damage-free coupling of the crane to the monopile end before upending. Other embodiments of a coupling tool are possible; another embodiment of a coupling tool is e.g. disclosed in EP3826952B1, wherein slidable clamping members engage with the inner lateral surface of the monopile. In yet other embodiments, the tool may have another functionality, e.g. the tool may be a vibro-hammer being coupled to the monopile end before upending.

[0139] The tool 109 is placed in a tool storage cradle 1409, which allows for holding the coupling tool 109 in a sea-fastened way. In particular, the tool storage cradle 1409 comprises a frame 1401, at the back of the tool 109, and a bar or edge 1411, at the front of the tool 109. When the coupling tool 109 is positioned in the tool storage cradle 1409, the pin 1405 at the back of the coupling tool is placed in a recess 1402 of the frame 1401, and the front of the cross-shaped structure 1403 engages with the edge 1411. In this way, the frame 1401 allows to hold the coupling tool 109 in a sea-fastened position without requiring additional fasteners. Furthermore, the frame 1401 is height-adjustable, as the frame 1401 may be slid upwards and downwards with respect to the rest of the tool storage cradle 1409, see FIG. 23. In this way, the height position of the coupling tool 109 with respect to the support surface 301 may be changed while being held by the frame 1401.

[0140] The tool storage cradle 1409 is comprised in a skidding unit 108. The skidding unit 108 comprises a transport cart 1410 and is displaceable over the support surface 301. For this purpose, the tool skidding system comprises a track 105, comprising two rails 407, 408, wherein the transport cart 1410 may slide over the rails 407, 408. In the shown embodiment, the rails 407, 408 are the same rails as used by the longitudinal skidding system, thereby defining a path in longitudinal direction, along the upending line 304. The skidding unit is thus displaceable over the deck, using the same track 106 as the longitudinal skids 101, 102. The skidding unit 108 is driven by means of a rack and pinion drive system, wherein two pinions 1412 are arranged at the transport cart 1410, and the toothed rack 409 comprised in the driving system of the longitudinal skidding system is also used by the driving system of the tool skidding system.

[0141] The tool storage cradle 1409 is mounted to the transport cart 1410, thereby allowing to transport the coupling tool 109 over the deck while being held by the tool storage cradle 1410. Furthermore, auxiliary equipment such as a power pack 1408 and a cable reel 1407 are mounted to the transport cart 1410. The auxiliary equipment is adapted for supplying the coupling tool 109 with energy and/or signals, e.g. when coupling the tool 109 to the monopile end and during upending. In this way, the auxiliary equipment can be transported over the deck together with the coupling tool 109. The power pack and hose reel may receive power and data via an umbilical reel or via discrete connection points along the skidding rails.

[0142] FIG. 15 to 24 illustrate the use of the arrangement 100 and vessel 300 during a loading and upending process. In FIG. 15, a number of monopiles 1501 is provided at the quayside 1502. A monopile 1500 is taken up by the hoisting device 302 of the vessel 300, thereby using a hoisting tool 1503 comprising a spreader bar and slings. The monopile 1500 is unloaded onto the skids 101, 102 of the longitudinal skidding system, wherein the respective support cradles 403, 404 support the monopile 1500 at two spaced-apart positions along its length. While receiving the monopile 1500, the longitudinal skids 101, 102 are in a receiving position at the deck, wherein the aft skid 102 is placed close to the upending device 303. During unloading of monopile 1500, the cage structure of the upending device 303 is opened, thereby leaving room for the bottom end of the unloaded monopile 1500.

[0143] FIG. 16 shows that the monopile 1500 is transported over the deck in longitudinal direction, by displacing the longitudinal skids 101, 102 towards the bow of the vessel 300, away from the upending device 303. The two longitudinal skids 101, 102 are displaced simultaneously, thereby maintaining their mutual distance. In this way, monopile 1500 is brought into a longitudinal position at the deck corresponding to the longitudinal position of the storage area at the deck. Remark that while displacing the longitudinal skids, the transverse skids 103, 104 are positioned at one side of the upending line 304, such that their drag chains 605 do not hinder the longitudinal skidding.

[0144] FIG. 17 shows that, while monopile 1500 is still carried by the longitudinal skids 101, 102, the transverse skids 103, 104 are moved in transverse direction, towards the upending line 304. The transverse skids 103, 104 are displaced until being positioned underneath the monopile 1500, at the upending line. For this purpose, the support cradle 611 of both transverse skids 103, 104 is in the lowered, flat condition of FIG. 6.

[0145] Next, as is shown in FIG. 18, the support cradles 611 of the transverse skids 103, 104 are raised, thereby obtaining the raised, more curved condition of FIG. 8. In particular, as the support cradles 611 of the transverse skids are raised to a height higher than the support cradles 403, 404 of the longitudinal skids 101, 102, the monopile 1500 is transferred to the transverse skids 103, 104, i.e. it is now carried by the support cradles 611 of the transverse skidding system.

[0146] FIG. 19 shows that subsequently the transverse skids 103, 104 are moved in transverse direction, towards a selected storage line 208, while carrying the monopile 1500. When reaching the storage line 208, the monopile 1500 is transferred to storage structure 204, as is shown in FIG. 20. For this purpose, the support cradles 611 of the transverse skids 103, 104 are brought in their lowered, flat condition of FIG. 6, wherein their height is lower than the height of the storage cradles 209, 210 of storage structure 204. Remark that while the transverse skidding and unloading onto the storage structure is taking place, the longitudinal skids 101, 102 can be brought back into their receiving position, closer to the upending device, for receiving a next monopile 1600 from the crane.

[0147] FIG. 20 shows that monopile 1500 is now carried by storage structure 204, in a sea-fastened way. In the same way, three other monopiles 1600, 2000 and 2001 are loaded and brought to their respective storage lines 207, 206, 205. Remark that during the transverse displacement of monopiles 2000 and 2001, for reaching storage lines 207 and 206, the bumper device 107 is folded down, thus being brought in the retracted condition of FIG. 13(b). In this way, the monopile 2000, 2001 can move over the retracted bumper device 107.

[0148] In the state shown in FIG. 20, a fifth monopile 2002 may be loaded onto the deck. For this purpose, the bumper device 107 is brought into the unfolded condition of FIG. 13(a). In this way, the bumper arm 1300 protects monopile 2001 that is stored in the first storage structure 201 next to the upending line 304, thereby preventing damage caused by swinging movements of monopile 2002 when loaded by the crane.

[0149] FIG. 21 shows that subsequently monopile 2002 is landed onto the longitudinal skids 101, 102, wherein the latter are placed in the receiving position, close to the upending device 303. After closing the doors of the upending device 303, as is shown in FIG. 22, the vessel 300 may sail towards a first installation location, having five monopiles on board. In this, the upending line 304 actually serves as a fifth storage line.

[0150] When arrived at an installation location, an upending operation may start, for upending monopile 2002. For this purpose, coupling tool 109 is coupled to the top end of monopile 2002, when the latter is in lying condition and carried by the longitudinal skids 101, 102. FIG. 23 shows that the skidding unit 108 is displaced over the deck, from a storage location in the bridge of the vessel 300, towards the end of the lying monopile 2002. In this, the transport cart 1410 of the skidding unit 108 slides over the rails 407, 408 of the longitudinal skidding system. During this displacement, the coupling tool 109 is held by the tool storage cradle 1409, the tool 109 being in a storage position, namely with the frame 1401 at low height as shown in FIG. 14. When having approached the monopile end, the frame 1401 is raised, as is shown in FIG. 23, such that the coupling tool 109 is brought at the height of the monopile 2002. Next, the skidding unit 108 may further be moved forward, for coupling the tool 109 with the monopile end. The coupling tool 109 is thus brought into a coupling position by the skidding unit 108, wherein the tool 109 is guided by the skidding unit 108 and any uncontrolled movements are avoided. In this way, damage to the monopile or equipment is prevented, and an efficient coupling process is obtained. Moreover, together with the coupling tool 109, also the auxiliary equipment 1407, 1408 is brought to the monopile end by means of the skidding unit 108, thereby contributing to a space-saving arrangement and further increasing operational efficiency.

[0151] After coupling the tool 109 to the end of monopile 2002, by means of the clamping members 1404, the lifting member 1406 of tool 109 is connected to the crane 302. Next, the monopile 2002 is upended by the crane 302, thereby reaching an upright position as shown in FIG. 24. Afterwards, the monopile 2002 may be lowered into the water, and driven into the bottom by means of a hammering tool. Before placing the hammering tool, the monopile is disconnected from the crane, and the coupling tool is placed back in the tool storage cradle of the skidding unit 108. The skidding unit 108 may be transported back to its storage location in the bridge of the vessel 300.

[0152] Next, the vessel 300 may sail to a following installation location, where monopile 1600 will be installed. In view of upending monopile 1600, it is first transported in transverse direction towards the upending line 304 by means of the transverse skids 103, 104. At the upending line, the longitudinal skids 101, 102 are in the position corresponding to the longitudinal position of the storage area, further away from the upending device 303, i.e. the position as shown in FIG. 16. When the transverse skids 103, 104 have reached the upending line, the monopile 1600 is transferred to the longitudinal skids 101, 102, by lowering the support cradles of the transverse skids 103, 104.

[0153] While being carried by the longitudinal skids 101, 102, the monopile 1600 is transported in longitudinal direction towards the upending device 303. For this purpose, the skids 101, 102 are displaced simultaneously, thereby reaching the position like shown in FIG. 15. Afterwards, the monopile 1600 is further shifted into the upending device 303. For this purpose, the support cradle of the aft skid 102 is lowered, such that the monopile 1600 is only supported by the forward skid 101 and rollers in the upending device 303. Next, the forward skid 101 is further displaced towards the upending device 303, thereby pushing the monopile 600 into the cage of the upending device, against the bottom beam of the upending device. Afterwards, the coupling tool 109 is coupled to the monopile 1600 and the monopile may be upended, in the same way as described for the previous monopile.

[0154] Although the present invention has been illustrated by reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments, and that the present invention may be embodied with various changes and modifications without departing from the scope thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. In other words, it is contemplated to cover any and all modifications, variations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the basic underlying principles and whose essential attributes are claimed in this patent application. It will furthermore be understood by the reader of this patent application that the words comprising or comprise do not exclude other elements or steps, that the words a or an do not exclude a plurality, and that a single element, such as a computer system, a processor, or another integrated unit may fulfil the functions of several means recited in the claims. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the respective claims concerned. The terms first, second, third, a, b, c, and the like, when used in the description or in the claims are introduced to distinguish between similar elements or steps and are not necessarily describing a sequential or chronological order. Similarly, the terms top, bottom, over, under, and the like are introduced for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to denote relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and embodiments of the invention are capable of operating according to the present invention in other sequences, or in orientations different from the one(s) described or illustrated above.