Norwegian company OIM Wind has signed an EPC contract with Chinese shipbuilder CIMC Yantai Raffles Offshore for the construction of 1 + 1 BT-220IU Wind Installation Unit.
The jack-up is being developed by OIM together with CIMC and their subsidiary Basstech AB, in Gothenburg.
The BT-220IU will have the capacity to transport and install four complete sets of “the future XXL” Wind Turbines, including full height towers at over 130 metres.
These will be larger than the upcoming GE 13MW and Siemens 15MW turbines, due to come to market in 2023- 2024, said the company.
The heavy lift crane to be delivered by Huisman, will have a lifting capacity of 2,600 metric tonnes, with a hook height above deck of 165 metres, and 195 metres above sea level, even at a maximum operational water depth of 67 metres.
The unit will is expected to be the first of its type in the world that will use LNG as fuel.
It will also have a battery pack integrated on board which will be used as a spinning reserve.
It is expected to be up and running at the end of 2022.
OSM Maritime AS based in Arendal, Norway will be responsible for the operation of the unit.
Kongsberg Maritime will supply all electronics, instruments, telecoms, engines, thrusters and anchor winches, as well as be responsible for all engineering that covering that scope.
OIM Wind is in talks with several European and US-based offshore wind developers.
Any unit for US will be the same design as the one to be built by CIMC in China.
However, it will be built in the USA to meet Jones Act requirements.