ABS has issued approval in principle (AIP) to Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore for its design of a dual-fuel methanol, heavy-duty, offshore wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV).
The WTIV is capable of transporting and installing the largest wind turbines in the world, those capable of producing 16-20MW of electricity, and promises to reduce carbon emissions with its dual-fuel methanol propulsion system. The design also features a 3,500-ton leg encircling crane and a sea-keeping dynamic positioning system (DPS) that aligns with ABS class requirements DPS-2.
Rob Langford, vice president of global offshore wind at ABS, said, “This is an exciting development for the offshore wind market, which is a key player in the global energy evolution. Support vessels like WTIVs are in short supply, and new-builds are being hampered by challenging market dynamics. This design from Yantai promises to meet the need for high-capacity, heavy-duty offshore wind projects.”
Panos Koutsourakis, vice president of global sustainability of ABS, commented, “ABS understands and is deeply involved in supporting clients with alternative fuels as part of their decarbonization journey. Methanol has emerged as a favorite among new designs as it represents a ‘here-now’ technology rather than a ‘hoped-for.’ We are proud to support Yantai in their sustainable design for offshore wind projects.”
Fu Qiang, director of CIMC Raffles Strategy R&D Centre, added, “The vessel is designed for the European market, with a maximum lifting weight of 3,500 tons and a maximum lifting height of 228m above sea level and can carry seven sets of 14MW or four sets of 20MW wind turbine components. This vessel is equipped with a dual-fuel main engine and hybrid battery system, reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption. Given the complex international market and rising raw material prices, the design offers better economics and stronger competitiveness.”
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