Boskalis is modifying one of its F-class heavy transport ships to become a crane vessel for the offshore wind sector.
The Dutch company said the vessel is to be equipped with dynamic positioning, increased accommodation and a crane with lifting capacity of 3000 tonnes.
Boskalis said the combination of a large amount of deck space for transport and a large lifting capacity for offshore wind foundations will provide it with “a unique installation vessel”.
The vessel is expected to be deployed by the end of 2017.
The company is looking for further opportunities in the offshore wind sector because of the continued downturn in the oil and gas sector.
It announced in July that 24 vessels would be taken out of service in the coming two years with 650 job losses.
The company’s offshore energy unit reported EBITDA of €190.5m in the first half of 2016, down from €242.9m in the same period last year.
The order book stood at €785.1m on 30 June, compared with €975.2m at the end of 2015.
Image: Boskalis
