Damen Shipyards has joined forces with GustoMSC to produce a range of self-propelled jack-ups for sectors including offshore wind.
The DG Jack is based on Dutch outfit Gusto’s “strong track record” in vessel design and will take advantage of the compatriot shipyard’s “extensive experience in shipbuilding and vessel optimisation”, said the companies.
“The DG JACK range possesses the capabilities to tackle the full range of O&M challenges within the offshore wind industry now and in the future,” they added.
The decision to produce the vessels was based on feedback from offshore markets with Damen head of development Peter Robert said the DG Jack range (pictured) is designed to cater for the increasing size of turbines.
“Also, the fact that wind farms are placed farther offshore and in deeper water, means different capabilities are required than those seen in the current fleet of jack-ups operating in offshore wind.
“And, with the design life of offshore wind farms being between 20 and 25 years, routine operation and maintenance tasks are assured to ensure performance optimisation,” added the company.
Damen chief commercial officer Arnout Damen said: “The collaboration represents a considered response to the needs of the entire offshore industry.
“It provides operators with a reliable, effective solution, combining GustoMSC’s expertise in design and engineering with Damen’s knowledge of construction, quality, outfitting, after sales service and finance options.”
Image: Damen
