Swire Blue Ocean is planning to order a new installation vessel that will allow it to handle next-generation turbines.
The Danish company has shortlisted a number of shipyards to build a bespoke version of the NG-20000X-G designed by GustoMSC.
The company said it also has the option of commissioning a second new-build ship.
Chief executive Mikkel Gleerup said the vessel will help to prevent a “supply chain bottleneck” when new turbines hit the market in the mid-2020s.
“I am proud to announce that our organisation has put in the hard work to understand the challenges the industry faces, and is now equipped to deliver a solution which will prevent a supply chain bottleneck when new turbine models reach the market in the mid- 2020s.”
The planning process began in April 2019, and Gleerup is confident that the company has designed a highly competitive asset, able to work on the most difficult sites, with the largest equipment in the industry.
The vessel design, created in partnership with GustoMSC, is a bespoke version of the NG-20000X-G design, with multiple customisations based on the installation company’s decade of experience in the industry.
“It has been key for us to deliver an asset that can grow with the industry, but also offer a cost base that is attractive in the market,” said Janus Joensen, Head of Engineering and R&D.
“We have collected significant data over the last decade and by building these learnings into the design we hope to bring material benefits to our customers.”
Swire also plans to upgrade the cranes on its existing vessels, Pacific Osprey and Pacific Orca.
The new units will have 1600-tonne lifting capacities at a 155-meter hook height above deck and are due to be installed from the fourth quarter 2023.