Decision-Making Framework for Marine Anchor Selection in Floating Offshore Wind Farms

Abstract The development of floating offshore wind farms (FOWFs) requires careful selection of marine anchor solutions, yet few studies address the anchor selection process. This paper proposes a decision-making framework to optimize the choice of marine anchors. The framework utilizes multi-criteria analysis, considering anchor reliability, environmental impact, and economic feasibility, while evaluating factors such as anchor type, holding capacity, installation complexity, environmental conditions, and cost. A case study validates the model, and sensitivity analyses assess the impact of varying criteria weights, ensuring the framework's adaptability to real-world applications. Results demonstrate the model's ability to rank anchor options based on project-specific requirements, supporting informed decisions that enhance reliability and cost efficiency. The proposed framework offers a novel, structured approach to anchor selection, improving existing decision-making practices and optimizing anchor performance and cost-effectiveness for floating offshore wind farms. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights for engineers and project developers, contributing to the deployment of reliable and economically viable anchor solutions in the renewable energy sector.