According to Ulstein Design and Solutions, a shortage is predicted of specialised heavy lift vessels needed to install the increasing number of larger, next generation wind turbines, a situation which will jeopardise future offshore wind farm realisations.
Proven, off-the-shelf heavy lift vessel designs from Ulstein can help to close the foundation installation gap. After 2025, market analysts project a shortage of specialised heavy-lift vessels, a shortage which can be filled by the Ulstein HX118, said to be a fully developed and proven solution.
The HX118 is the third evolution of the successful SOC 5000 design, of which several vessels are currently in operation or under construction, including Heerema’s Aegir and Subsea 7’s Seven Borealis.
Ko Stroo, lead naval architect/product manager, Ulstein Design & Solutions, said: “We worked four years on the development of this design, using our unique ‘Ulstein Blended Design‘ methodology, CFD simulations, and knowledge gained from the Alfa Lift design and Aegir conversion. Combining our vast track record in heavy lift vessels with business case analysis and latest installation technologies resulted in what basically is the Mk3 version of our SOC 5000 design.”
MD Edwin van Leeuwen added: “Moreover, we have already received favourable pricings on this HLV design from multiple yards worldwide, so, all ingredients are available to the industry to push the button, get into a yard contract and get delivery in 2025.”
Developed to efficiently handle the next generation foundations, monopiles as well as jackets, the design features a 5,000t main crane with large lifting heights and a large, strong open deck. Methanol powered generators, an optimised hull design and smart integration of battery systems ensure low emissions during operations and when in port.
