GustoMSC, a subsidiary of Texas-based NOV, has launched a next-generation heavy lift crane vessel series named ENSIS, planned for foundation installation for the offshore wind farms of the future.
“GustoMSC’s new ENSIS heavy lift crane vessel series addresses the needs of the growing offshore wind foundation market. With monopiles and jackets increasing in size and weight and the continuous need for efficiency in installation, a new generation of vessels is needed,” GustoMSC said.
The company said that its ENSIS series featured scalable and customizable designs and next-generation crane and deck mission equipment developed by other groups in NOV’s Marine & Construction business unit.
The ENSIS 5000 design is the largest and most capable of the series so far, said GustoMSC.
The 220-metres long, 55-metres wide heavy lift crane vessel features 9,500 square metres of deck space and a 5,000-tonne rated crane with an increased load moment and lifting height which is in an optimised position to balance efficiency and flexibility, according to offshore vessel designer.
The vessel is designed around a combined upend hinge with a motion-compensated gripper that allows the ENSIS 5000 to take up to six XXXL monopiles in one trip. According to GustoMSC, these capacities exceed present capabilities in the market.
The draught is optimised to be able to operate from common marshalling yards and a foldable A-frame that will allow mobilisation around the world.
Also, GustoMSC said that the latest energy-saving, reclamation, and storage solutions and new or alternative fuels are ready to be incorporated into the ENSIS 5000 series.
The company claims that the ENSIS 3000 and ENSIS 4000 designs are based on the same principles and expertise as the ENSIS 5000 but are developed to address particular challenges and showcase specific possibilities.
The ENSIS 3000 is capable of installing smaller monopiles, pin piles, or suction anchors while the ENSIS 4000 design is offering opportunities for the evolving US market and Jones Act-compliant vessels, said GustoMSC.