DEME has ordered a next-generation offshore wind installation vessel for delivery to marine contracting subsidiary GeoSea in 2019.
The Orion will feature “an unrivalled combination of exceptionally high transport and load capacity, impressive lifting heights and green technology”, said DEME.
The vessel will be built at the Cosco yard in China and can also be used in the oil and gas sector.
Orion will have a lift capacity of 3000 tonnes at more than 50 metres. It will be able to reach heights of more than 170 metres.
“The vessel can take the heaviest monopiles, jackets, wind turbine components and structures in a single shipment,” said DEME.
“With this unmatched combination of high load and lifting capacity, Orion can transport and install the next generation of giant multi-megawatt wind turbines.”
The 216.5-metre-long DP3 vessel will also feature dual fuel engines and can run on natural gas. It will have accommodation for 131 staff and crew.
GeoSea managing director Luc Vandenbulcke said: “With Orion we will be uniquely positioned to meet the future requirements of our customers and the trend towards larger capacity turbines and bigger wind farm projects, delivering energy at lower costs.”
He added: “Orion will be capable of installing mega-monopiles at greater depths. With DP3 technology the offshore installation vessel can continue operations under the most challenging conditions.”
DEME has also ordered next-generation mega-cutter Spartacus for delivery in 2019. It will be built by Royal IHC in the Netherlands.
Image: DEME
