A steel cutting ceremony has taken place at the shipyard Drydocks World in Dubai for Royal Boskalis Westminster’s new crane vessel Bokalift 2.
Drydocks World is converting the drill ship Yan into a vessel capable of offshore wind turbine installation.
It is carrying out detailed engineering, supply of steel, piping and electrical bulk material as well as the construction and installation of client issued equipment.
Boskalis said the milestone “marks the beginning of an important new phase in the modification of the vessel’s hull and deck”.
The conversion scope includes the fabrication and installation of 9000 tons of steel blocks on both sides of the vessel to increase the stability and the installation of a new work deck.
A 4000-ton crane will be installed on the vessel in 2021 that will be capable of lifting structures more than 100 metres high, the company said.
Boskalis chief executive Peter Berdowski said: “This steel cutting ceremony marks an important step for Boskalis and the conversion of the Bokalift 2.
“The huge deck space combined with the large crane make the Bokalift 2 an extremely versatile asset and valuable addition to the Boskalis fleet.
“We look forward to putting this unique crane vessel to work on its maiden offshore wind project in Taiwan.
“Yesterday’s milestone is especially commendable in view of the challenging times that we are all currently experiencing.”
Drydocks World chief executive Rado Antolovic said “We thank Boskalis for the opportunity to deliver this critical project.
“The work will equip the vessel with enhanced performance and operational efficiency.
“As with all projects carried out under the current circumstances, all production work will comply with strict Covid-19 precautionary safety measures.
“Drydocks World is a specialist in offshore conversion, and we are very pleased to be extending our expertise to a project that will contribute to renewable energy development in Taiwan.”
Bokalift 2 will be operated by BoWei Offshore, a joint venture between Boskalis and Hwa Chi construction at the Changfang and Xidao offshore wind farm in Taiwan, which is being developed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and two Taiwanese life insurance companies.
The work includes the transportation and installation of 62 three-legged jacket foundations and the accompanying 186 pin piles.