Norwegian companies Ocean Installer and Vard are partnering to build a new offshore wind installation vessel capable of transporting and installing next-generation turbines.
Vard Group general manager of offshore and specialised vessels Erik Haakonsholm said: “We will jointly be developing one of the world’s most advanced vessels for installation of future offshore wind turbines, which are too large for the existing turbine installation fleet.
“By being able to install wind turbine components above 1000 tonnes more than 150 metres above sea level, this ship is expected to be highly attractive for construction of big international wind farms in the coming years.”
Ocean Installer chief executive Odd Stromsnes said: “This all-Norwegian collaboration between subsea contractor Ocean Installer and the Vard shipyards builds on experience, quality standards and efficiency developed over years of work on the Norwegian continental shelf.”
Stromsnes added that Ocean Installer is already prequalified for certain large offshore wind projects and is participating in tenders in the US and Europe for both Norwegian and international energy companies.
To lead the initiative, Ocean Installer has recruited several key people from the sector, including Even Larsen, former CEO of Fred Olsen Ocean, and Olav Hetland, former senior vice president for offshore wind power at Statkraft.