Norwegian marine contractor OHT’s new Alfa Lift vessel has been floated-out from its dry dock at China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) shipyard in Jiangsu.
The specialist heavy installation vessel, which is designed and built for installing the next generation XXL offshore wind foundations, was launched on 26 February.
Alfa Lift will now be moored while work continues on the steel and internal fit-out, including the mechanical completion of systems.
OHT said that key elements of Alfa Lift’s major crane components have been completed in Rostock, Germany.
The heavy lift crane’s slewing column and the A-frame are scheduled to leave Rostock in early March and will arrive in China in April where they will be installed, the company said.
Alfa Lift is on schedule for delivery at the end of this year or early 2022.
OHT head of vessel management Bjarne Birkeland said: “The vessel construction has progressed well despite these challenging times.
“We would like to sincerely thank everyone at CMHI who have worked with us closely to ensure that we have met the float-out milestone in a safe and timely manner, with work having continued through the recent Chinese New Year period.
“We are also grateful for seeing the quality Liebherr 3000 tonne heavy Lift crane components being shipped from Liebherr’s facilities and look forward to seeing the crane installed on the vessel.”
OHT chief executive Torgeir Ramstad said: “This is an important milestone that brings Alfa Lift one step closer to entering service and helping to satisfy the ever-growing global demand for custom-built offshore wind installation vessels.
“We have no doubt that Alfa Lift will be a very busy vessel for many years to come.”
CMHI project manager of Alfa Lift Kevin Kuang said: “At this utmost exciting moment, we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to both OHT and CMHI teams for all the joint efforts and devotions.
“Next let us continue to sprint for the smooth and on-time delivery of Alfa Lift.”
CMHI general manager Mei Xianzhi said: “The achievement of this important milestone could not be separated from the close teamwork between OHT and CMHI.
“Designed as an efficient vessel with one-stop service for both transportation and installation, Alfa Lift will surely become the favourite of the market for offshore wind installation vessels in the coming years.
“We look forward to delivery of the vessel and trust it will bring highly-efficient service to the end client in the near future.”
Liebherr Rostock sales director of ship and offshore cranes Gregor Levold said: “Everyone at Liebherr is watching the progress of the Alfa Lift with excitement as we move forward with the production of the HLC 150000.
“We look ahead to when this innovative offshore vessel, together with our crane, will soon be building the energy of tomorrow.”