Huisman signed a letter of intent with Chinese shipbuilder Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore for the delivery of a 2600-tonne leg-encircling crane for Norwegian shipper OIM Wind’s new jack-up vessel for the offshore wind sector.
The letter of intent also includes the option for the delivery of another crane for a second installation unit.
Huisman said the crane set-up for the BT-220IU vessel has been optimised, with the 140-metre long boom and 2600-tonne lifting capacity making the crane capable of installing next and future generation wind turbines and foundations.
BT-220IU has been designed by CIMC’s engineering office in Yantai, China, and its subsidiary Bass Tech in Sweden, based on technical input and market knowledge from OIM Wind.
The crane for the first unit will be built at the Huisman production facility in Xiamen, China.
Huisman will deploy its Skyhook crane for the installation of the leg-encircling unit along its quayside, scheduled for late 2022.
OIM founder, president and chief executive Oddgeir Indrestrand said: “OIM have been working closely with Huisman over a long period, and we are very pleased to install Huisman’s ‘state-of-the-art’ 2600-tonne leg encircling crane, and more of their products aboard our upcoming newbuilds.”
Huisman chief executive David Roodenburg said: “Huisman is excited to build upon the relationship with CIMC and OIM to deliver this leg encircling crane and support the development of sustainable offshore wind projects.
“We have great respect for their entrepreneurship and are very proud to be participating in their ambitions for the future.”