Dajin Heavy Industry has signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Zhengli Marine Engineering to develop offshore wind installation vessel solutions for the European market.
Under the agreement, the two Chinese companies will jointly assess the feasibility of retrofitting Zhengli Offshore’s existing wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV), which has a 3,500-tonne lifting capacity, to meet European offshore wind installation requirements.
The cooperation also includes long-term collaboration on WTIV research and development and joint market expansion.
Dajin said via social media the partnership supports its expansion into offshore wind installation and will enable the company to offer integrated services covering manufacturing, transportation, marshalling and installation.
The move is part of Dajin’s strategy to transition from an equipment manufacturer to a full engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) provider, targeting opportunities in the European offshore wind sector, the company says.
The Chinese manufacturer has been a supplier on several offshore wind farms in Europe, including the new Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm in the UK, a launch project for Dajin’s new ultra-large, heavy-cargo deck carrier, King One .
“With this strategic move, Dajin will contribute to solving another supply bottleneck in European offshore wind for installation vessels limited both by number as well as capabilities driven by projects under development and next generation turbines and foundations requirements”, said Xin Jin , Dajin’s Chairman and Owner.