CIMC Raffles has delivered the offshore wind turbine installation vessel Norse Wind to Belgian marine engineering company DEME.
The Norse Wind is the first vessel in CIMC’s NG20000X series and the world’s first wind turbine installation vessel to feature a full DC power distribution system.
CIMC said the system enables intelligent generator speed control, cutting fuel consumption and improving operational efficiency during energy-intensive jacking and lifting operations.
Compared with conventional AC systems, the new design reduces energy losses and improves environmental performance, it said.
The vessel, built as a flagship project to support Europe’s clean energy transition, features a DP2 dynamic positioning system and is capable of transporting and installing multiple types of turbines in challenging North Sea conditions, the shipbuilder added.
Equipped with a 3200-tonne main crane and hybrid battery propulsion system, Norse Wind can replace the output of one main engine using battery power alone – a breakthrough that CIMC said reduces carbon emissions per megawatt installed by more than 70%.
Following delivery, the vessel will be deployed at Germany’s NordseeCluster offshore wind farm to support turbine installation operations.
CIMC said Norse Wind is among the most automated turbine installation vessels built to date and has been highly commended by both DEME and classification society DNV for its technical innovation and delivery quality.
The company added that it will continue to collaborate with international partners to advance offshore engineering and clean energy development, contributing to global carbon neutrality goals.