Recently, the world’s new generation 2000 tonnes Wind Turbine Installation Vessel (WTIV) “Baihetan” which was classed and inspected by China Classification Society (CCS), built by CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, is put into operation in No. 8 Wharf of Longxue Factory Area.
The first deep-sea giant, another superior apparatus
"Baihetan" is the currently worldwide self-elevating and self-propulsion WTIV which has the strongest lifting capacity of 2,000 tonnes, the deepest operating water depth of 70 metres, the maximum variable load of 6,500 tonnes and the largest deck area of 4,200 square metres.
Baihetan has a length of 126 metres, a beam of 50 metres, a depth of 10 metres and integrated functions such as transport, self-elevating, self-propulsion, lifting, and dynamic positioning. The hoisting height of the pile-encircling crane reaches 170 metres above the water surface, the vessel relies on a set of four triangular truss legs that each measure 120 metres long, it can be used for the installation of 10 MW or above offshore wind turbines, and able to carry 4 sets of 8 MW or 2 sets of 12 MW offshore wind turbines to complete work in sea. All these features can meet the requirement for development of wind power operation in deep water.
The DP-2 level dynamic positioning system configured on the platform can automatically maintain the ship's position and heading, effectively improving the safety of offshore operations. Its initial area of operations will be in the waters of Fujian and Guangdong provinces, this will provide great support for concentrated, contiguous and large-scale development of deep-sea wind power projects in China later on.
Since playing its part in wind energy field from 2006, CCS has been deeply involved in offshore wind power projects and has been providing high-quality and efficient services for wind power products. CCS Offshore Engineering Technology Centre actively explored and carried out research in the related areas, conducted comprehensive study of over 40 years journey in the field of maritime engineering, including consideration of the specific characteristics and requirements of offshore wind power facilities and equipment, a relative complete technical specification system for offshore wind power facilities and equipment is therefore established.
The level of difficulty to build “Baihetan” is much higher than common one’s. CCS Guangzhou branch had an in-depth collaboration with the shipowner and shipyard throughout the construction process. In order to guarantee each inspection items are fully competent, they devoted to follow all test plans given by the shipyard and to complete all surveys at a high quality and efficient standard while sticking to the relevant requirements for epidemic prevention and control.
For future development of deep-sea offshore wind power in China, CCS will play a major role in the inspection and quality control throughout design, construction, installation and operation stages. They will continuously work hard to improve the competitiveness of China’s deep-sea offshore equipment in the International market, to convoy China’s offshore wind power industry to a high standard development, to contribute to energy structure adjustment and optimization of China as well as helping in transformation and upgrade of manufacturing industry.