In March 2017, ADMARES delivered the world’s largest floating villa as a turnkey project for client in the United Arab Emirates. In early 2019, ADMARES upgraded the villa for fully automated and autonomous operation.
The luxurious 6 000 m2 floating villa represents the cutting edge of modern technology. Equipped with its own green power generators and waste treatment facilities, the technically standalone villa minimizes its environmental impact and ensures the highest level of effortlessness for the residents.
– Now upgraded with three powerful thrusters, two anchoring systems and an intelligent navigation center, the villa provides even more stunning surroundings for high-end living, says Kaj Casén, President Marine Division at ADMARES Group.
Modular project execution from Finland to UAE
The upgrade process was divided into two phases. In the first phase, all prefabrication work, painting and outfitting of the thrusters, as well as comprehensive inspections, were carried out at ADMARES’ facilities in Finland. The second phase took place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and covered the integration of the prefabricated structures to the villa’s pontoon.
– All the phases of the project, including the final sea trial, were verified by the Classification Society Det Norske Veritas - Germanischer Lloyd (DNV GL), Casén says.
Three powerful thrusters, two anchoring systems
The new propulsion system consists of three Rolls-Royce US 55 FP azimuth thrusters. Two of them are installed at the aft end of the pontoon and one at the fore of the pontoon. All three incorporate a 1050 mm diameter four-blade fixed pitch type propeller running in a high-performance nozzle. Hydraulic steering and lubrication systems are driven by electric main pump units. The prime mover for each thruster is an air-cooled electric motor with a power output of 250 kW.
To enable more convenient alongside mooring, an anchor were installed to both ends of the pontoon. Each system comprises an electric anchor winch, a ratchet roller chain stopper for 38 mm mooring chain by THR Marine, a sturdy 1 575 kg anchor and dedicated chain boxes installed into the pontoon structure. In order to ensure functionality, the anchoring systems were positioned at a sufficient distance from the thrusters and equipped with efficient chain flushing systems.
Intelligent wheelhouse – the brain of the villa
To achieve full autonomy and independence, the villa was equipped with a small wheelhouse and control desk for navigation and maneuvering. This intelligent navigation center is the brain for relocating, steering, navigation, and communications during voyages.
– The wheelhouse was outfitted with steering control levers, thruster direction indicators, thruster control panels, navigation and radar displays, radio, and other related instruments and controls, says Casén.