Maersk Supply Service has announced a new partnership with GustoMSC to develop a next-generation Wind Installation Vessel that can cater to the growing offshore wind market in Europe. The aim of the collaboration is to create an upgraded version of the vessel that is specifically designed for this purpose.
The new design will build on the same patent and characteristics of the current feeder concept, which was originally designed for use in US waters.
This unique patented design will enable the jack-up Wind Installation Vessel to remain on location at the wind park, while tugs and barges transport the wind turbine tower, nacelle, and blades to and from the port.
This approach is cost-effective and is expected to be more than 30% more efficient than conventional jack-up vessels.
Moreover, this innovative solution will be less dependent on weather conditions, which will enable the vessel to carry out installations throughout the year. These elements combined are set to significantly enhance operational efficiency, thereby reducing the levelised costs of energy from offshore wind.
Maersk Supply Service and GuscoMSC will start the basic design process shortly and expect to conclude it later in 2023.
“Europe is an attractive market for offshore wind, and we believe that our concept is also suitable for this region. As the Wind Installation Vessel itself does not sail into ports, this can solve some of the bottlenecks we currently see in Europe, where only a few ports are large enough to handle the growing wind turbine sizes. We look forward to collaborating with GustoMSC on getting this new basic design ready,” says the Chief Commercial Officer at Maersk Supply Service, Jonas Munch Agerskov.
“As GustoMSC, a subsidiary of NOV, we look forward to working with the Maersk Supply Service team on a next generation wind turbine installation jack-up for the international market. Having a decades long history of working together, both companies will combine their years of offshore experience and design know-how in this collaboration. Against the backdrop of growing turbine sizes, we jointly aim to further improve installation efficiencies and development economics in the bottom-fixed offshore wind market.”, says Managing Director GustoMSC, Nils van Nood.