China-headquartered Goldwind has kicked off construction of a 1,600-tonne offshore wind installation vessel.
The vessel boasts the largest variable load capacity and turbine storage capacity in China and can optimise the construction of offshore wind projects with different foundation types in the deep sea, significantly improving the lifting efficiency of turbine components while reducing the construction cost, Goldwind said.
According to the company, this could accelerate the development of offshore wind power at affordable prices.
The main hook of the primary crane of the installation vessel will bear 165 metres of hoisting height and 1,600 tonnes of hoisting weight at maximum.
The vessel will be able to lift wind turbines of over 20 MW with fixed support structures and operate in water depths of up to 70 metres.
Goldwind held a ceremony to commence the construction of its installation vessel in Nantong, Jiangsu Province.
According to the company, the new-generation installation ship, with a cost of nearly RMB 1.5 billion (about EUR 220 million), will be put into operation next August and will create greater value for the offshore wind power development in Yangjiang, Guangdong, and the South China Sea.
“The 1600-ton jack-up wind installation vessel emerged under the guidance of China’s ‘carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals’ and amidst enormous development opportunities for offshore wind power”, said Li Fei , Vice President of Goldwind.