Jan De Nul has launched its next-generation jack-up Voltaire.
The milestone was reached at the COSCO Shipping Shipyard in Nantong, China.
This vessel will be the second and largest jack-up vessel in Jan De Nul’s fleet.
It will be able to support the renewable energy industry to build next generation offshore wind farms. Voltaire is built to transport, lift and install offshore wind turbines, transition pieces and foundations.
The main crane with a capacity of over 3000 tonnes will enable her to construct the current and future generation of wind farms at sea, said the Belgian company.
The ship is due for delivery in H2 2022.
Philippe Hutse, Director Offshore Division at Jan De Nul Group, said: “The Voltaire will enable us to work in deeper waters and reach ever higher nacelle heights than before. Adding Voltaire and Les Alizés to the fleet gives us the perfect set of vessels to execute the growing number of large and clustered international offshore wind projects.
“Our forward-looking view on market trends and the quick decision making to invest in this set of Next Gen installation vessels, have done us no harm. The Voltaire and Les Alizés have all the required specifications to meet the upcoming challenges in offshore renewables.”