About Universal foundation a/s
Universal Foundation A/S: Revolutionizing the Offshore Wind Industry
Universal Foundation A/S is a Danish company that specializes in designing and manufacturing innovative foundation solutions for offshore wind turbines. The company was founded in 2003 as a spin-off from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and has since then been at the forefront of developing new technologies to make offshore wind energy more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable.
As a subsidiary of Fred. Olsen Ocean Ltd., Universal Foundation A/S is part of a larger group of companies that are active in the offshore renewables industry. Fred. Olsen Ocean Ltd. is the parent company for two other subsidiaries: Fred. Olsen Windcarrier and Global Wind Service (GWS). Together, these companies provide end-to-end solutions for installing, operating, and maintaining offshore wind farms around the world.
Universal Foundation A/S's flagship product is called Mono Bucket - an innovative foundation solution that combines several functions into one single structure. Unlike traditional foundations that require multiple components such as piles, transition pieces, grout bags, etc., Mono Bucket consists of only one steel cylinder with an integrated suction bucket at its base.
The suction bucket technology used in Mono Bucket allows it to be installed without any noise or vibration on the seabed using a specialized vessel called "Suction Bucket Installation Vessel" (SBIV). This method eliminates the need for pile driving or drilling operations which can cause disturbance to marine life and create underwater noise pollution.
Mono Bucket's unique design also makes it more cost-effective than traditional foundations as it requires less material and labor during installation. Moreover, its compact size reduces transportation costs by allowing more units to be shipped per vessel load.
Another advantage of Mono Bucket is its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes or typhoons due to its robust design and low center-of-gravity configuration. This feature ensures maximum stability even under high waves or currents which can cause significant damage to conventional foundations.
Universal Foundation A/S has already installed several Mono Bucket foundations in offshore wind farms around the world, including the Borkum Riffgrund 2 project in Germany and the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) pilot project in the USA. The company is also involved in ongoing projects such as the Hollandse Kust Zuid (HKZ) wind farm in the Netherlands and the Saint-Nazaire offshore wind farm in France.
In addition to Mono Bucket, Universal Foundation A/S offers other foundation solutions such as Tripod and Suction Bucket Jacket (SBJ). These solutions are tailored to specific site conditions and customer requirements, ensuring maximum efficiency and reliability.
Universal Foundation A/S's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and safety has earned it several awards and recognitions over the years. In 2019, it won "Best Offshore Renewables Project" at the Energy Awards for its work on CVOW project. It was also named "Supplier of The Year" by Ørsted - a leading developer of offshore wind farms - for its outstanding performance on various projects.
In conclusion, Universal Foundation A/S is a game-changer in the offshore wind industry with its innovative foundation solutions that offer numerous benefits over traditional methods. Its partnership with Fred. Olsen Ocean Ltd., Fred. Olsen Windcarrier, and Global Wind Service further strengthens its position as a leading player in this rapidly growing sector. With more than 15 years of experience and a proven track record of success, Universal Foundation A/S is poised to revolutionize how we harness renewable energy from our oceans while minimizing our impact on marine ecosystems.