H Nordic turbines can be installed on vessels carrying cargo on deck. The compact form factor and flexible mounting options mean positions are available at superstructure edges, secondary deck levels, and above the cargo envelope on most vessel types. Placement is confirmed through a deck layout assessment specific to the vessel and its cargo operations.
H Nordic maritime turbines are compact relative to their rated power. The ~800 kg unit weight and small base footprint mean they can be positioned at locations inaccessible to larger wind energy systems -- specifically the superstructure edges and elevated positions that are the most productive locations aerodynamically.
These positions are typically not used for cargo stowage. Superstructure edge positions are above deck level, clear of lashing points and access routes. Positions on secondary decks, walkways, and deckhouse tops are similarly separate from the cargo envelope.
On most vessel types, the question is not whether to trade off cargo capacity against turbines -- it is how to arrange turbine positions around the existing cargo operation without interference.
The deck layout assessment is conducted for each vessel before installation. It involves:
Reviewing the cargo plan and lashing pattern. Cargo stowage on deck follows a defined plan -- container positions, breakbulk securing points, vehicle lanes on RoRo vessels. The assessment maps existing cargo positions and identifies the clear zones.
Identifying candidate turbine positions. Against the cargo plan, H Nordic identifies candidate positions at superstructure edges, elevated deck areas, and secondary mounting levels. Candidate positions are assessed for venturi benefit, wake and shadow interactions between turbines, and structural compatibility.
Confirming clearances. Each candidate position is checked against operational clearances -- crane radii, hatch opening arcs, access routes, and navigation equipment exclusion zones. Only positions that are clear of all operational requirements proceed to the final layout.
Optimising for generation. From the confirmed positions, H Nordic optimises the placement to maximise venturi benefit and minimise inter-turbine shadow effects. The goal is the best achievable generation from the positions the vessel's operations allow.
Container vessels. Container stacks fill the deck in defined bay patterns. Turbine positions are available at the forward superstructure face, the deckhouse top, and the sides of the container guides at upper stack level. These positions do not require any containers to be displaced.
RoRo vessels and car carriers. Vehicle lanes on the main deck are closed to non-cargo equipment. However, the upper decks and superstructure edges -- the aerodynamically optimal positions -- are clear of vehicle operations. Four to eight turbines are typically achievable on the superstructure without interfering with loading.
Bulk carriers. Open deck between hatches provides multiple potential positions. Turbines can be positioned on the hatch coaming tops or at the superstructure forward face, both of which are clear of the bulk cargo operation.
General cargo vessels. Deck cargo varies by voyage. For vessels with irregular or voyage-specific cargo, the deck layout assessment identifies positions that are consistently clear across typical cargo configurations -- and flags positions that require confirmation against specific cargo plans.
If the vessel is carrying cargo during installation, access to some deck areas may be restricted. H Nordic schedules installation around the vessel's cargo and voyage plan, typically targeting a port call during or after unloading when deck access is clear.
For vessels with continuous cargo cycles, H Nordic can identify a window during a port call where deck access at the installation positions is available without disrupting operations.
See also: Does installation require drydock? · How turbines are secured to deck
Tell us about your vessel deck configuration and we will identify compatible turbine positions.
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