Vallianz has joined forces with Ulstein, Shift Clean Energy and Bureau Veritas to collaborate on the design and construction of a heavy transport vessel (HTV) for the global offshore wind industry.
Designed for worldwide operations, the HTV will be deployed for the transportation of structures such as monopiles, jackets, transition pieces and turbine blades to support offshore wind farm projects.
It will also be able to carry heavy structure modules for LNG and carry out floatover operations of offshore structures.
Featuring zero emission capability, the DP2 vessel will be the “first of its kind”, as it will be driven by a hybrid power system consisting of alternative dual fuelled engines and a fully classed battery energy storage system.
The HTV features the Ulstein X-BOW system which contributes to reduced energy consumption and provides more comfortable and safer operations when sailing through waves.
With an overall length of 173.6 metres, the customised Ulstein HX120 design will have a free deck length of 145 metres and a deck area of more than 6000 sq m and deck strength of 25 tonnes per sq m for carrying large structures and modules, such as monopiles, transition pieces and jacket foundations.
The design of the HTV is developed by the Dutch design office of Ulstein Group, which is headquartered in Norway.
The HTV’s electric battery system is to be provided by Canada-based Shift, while the vessel will be classed by Bureau Veritas.
Construction is expected to take up to 26 months, with planned completion by the end of 2024.