At the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC 2026) in Houston on May 6, 2026, Dr. Weimin Chen from the Floating Power Center of Wison New Energies presented the optimization of a four-column semi-submersible platform for a 16 MW wind turbine, sharing Wison's latest work on next-generation, large-capacity floating wind platforms.
For 16 MW turbines, Wison developed a four-column semi-submersible concept and compared it directly with a conventional three-column design under representative North Atlantic metocean conditions. The study evaluates structural eigenfrequencies, hydrostatic stability, frequency-domain hydrodynamics and time-domain coupled responses in operating and survival conditions, with further analyses under varying load directions.
The results show that the four-column configuration has clear advantages in structural dynamics and yaw control, while keeping overall performance balanced. The study offers practical input for concept selection and early-stage optimization of floating wind platforms for large turbines.
“As floating wind moves toward large-capacity turbine, platform optimization requires an integrated assessment of structural dynamics, hydrodynamics, and coupled responses. This study reflects that systems-level approach and highlights the importance of comprehensive evaluation at the early design stage, helping support more practical development of floating wind projects.”
Speaking at OTC 2026 reflects Wison's ongoing commitment to floating wind and its engineering capabilities in complex offshore technologies.
