By Kari Williamson

The Bucket Foundation is said to combine the benefits of a gravity based foundation, a monopile and a suction bucket in one design. The offshore wind turbine foundation is now about to enter full-scale commercial production.

The foundation has its own installation system controlling the vertical alignment of the foundation as it sucks itself into the seabed. The offshore wind foundation does not require jack-up vessels, seabed preparations nor a transition piece.

The suction operation can be reversed meaning the offshore wind foundation can be completely removed and reused, Universal Foundation says.

The remaining 40% of Universal Foundation, formerly known as MBD Offshore Power A/S, is owned by DONG Energy Power Holding A/S, Novasion ApS and Aalborg University.