Boskalis has unveiled the latest addition to its offshore wind fleet, a subsea rock installation (SRI) vessel with a cargo capacity of 45,500 metric tons.
This “state-of-the-art vessel will stand as the largest SRI vessel in the industry”, stated Boskalis.
It will “significantly bolster” Boskalis’ position in this specialised niche market, which includes three existing SRI vessels.
With the introduction of the Windpiper, Boskalis will effectively double its capacity and thereby becomes the largest player in the industry.
Scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2026, the Windpiper is set to play an important role in facilitating the energy transition working on offshore wind projects, which will initially be in north-west Europe.
The Windpiper is being developed by converting an existing new vessel under the expert supervision of Boskalis.
With dimensions of 227 metres in length and 40 metres in breadth, the powerful vessel boasts a total installed power exceeding 31,000kW.
In addition to its moonpool for the fall pipe installation, the vessel will feature an inclined fall pipe, crucial for the protection of offshore structures such as the foundations of offshore wind turbines.
Equipped with seven thrusters and DP2 certification, the Windpiper is specifically designed for optimal performance in challenging offshore conditions.
The vessel’s substantial capacity, divided over two holds, makes it well-suited for projects with a long transit distance between the rock loading facilities and the project site, such as those along the North American east coast, the Baltic Sea and the Southern North Sea.
This large capacity minimizes the number of round trips required, ultimately leading to less emissions and lower costs per installed volume of rock.
Additionally, with over hundred single-occupancy cabins, the vessel can comfortably accommodate client representatives alongside the onboard crew.