Spudcan Modification for Hyundai Frontier

A site-specific redesign for safe and efficient jack-up operations.

As part of the Shinan Ui Offshore Wind Farm development in South Korea, Hyundai Engineering & Steel Industries (HESI) required a new spudcan foundation solution for its jack-up installation vessel, the Hyundai Frontier. Challenging site-specific soil conditions encountered during offshore wind installation activities highlighted the need for a redesign that would improve the vessel’s performance while working within the constraints of the existing leg system.

TWD supported the project with a combination of geotechnical assessment, jack-up consultancy, and structural engineering. The challenge was not simply to redesign the spudcan itself, but to understand how the vessel would interact with the seabed and translate those findings into a practical, class-approved solution that could be delivered within a tight project schedule.

Working closely with HESI, TWD assessed the site-specific ground conditions, predicted leg penetration behaviour, and developed a new spudcan design tailored to the requirements of the Shinan Ui site. The scope also included modifications to the spudcan-to-leg interface, ensuring reliable load transfer and compatibility with the existing vessel structure. The redesigned foundation was optimised for the local soil conditions, supporting safe and efficient jack-up operations while helping to minimise project risk.

Despite the demanding schedule, the project progressed from assessment to detailed design and class approval within the required timeframe. By combining geotechnical insights with jack-up and structural engineering expertise, TWD provided an integrated solution that helped prepare the Hyundai Frontier for continued offshore wind installation activities under challenging seabed conditions.

Scope of work

  • Site-specific geotechnical assessment and leg penetration analysis
  • Concept and detailed design of new spudcans for the Hyundai Frontier
  • Design and verification of spudcan-to-leg interface modifications
  • Structural assessment and design verification
  • Support for class approval by Korean Register

Project highlights

  • Fast-track delivery under a challenging schedule
  • Class-approved spudcan solution tailored to local soil conditions
  • Combined geotechnical, jack-up, and structural engineering expertise
  • Supported continued offshore wind installation operations at the Shinan Ui site

This project demonstrates how an integrated approach, bringing together geotechnical insight, jack-up expertise, and structural engineering, delivers a practical solution tailored to the site’s conditions and the vessel’s operational needs.