Jan De Nul Group has placed an order at China’s Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry for the jack-up installation vessel, Voltaire.
The 3,000-tonne lifting capacity vessel, which will be used primarily for offshore wind energy installation projects, is scheduled for delivery in 2022.
The next generation of offshore wind turbines are going to be more than 270 m tall and will be fitted with blades approximately 120 m in length. Existing offshore installation vessels currently available on the market will find it increasingly difficult to handle and install this equipment.
Philippe Hutse, offshore director at Jan De Nul Group: “Upon her delivery in 2022, we will be capable of efficiently installing the next generation of offshore wind turbine generators and foundations. This investment is a logical step forward in the development of our offshore wind capacities.”
Voltaire will be the third offshore jack-up vessel in the Jan De Nul fleet. It will feature advanced emission control technology that complies with Euro Stage-V land and inland waterway emission regulations.
The ship can operate at water depths of up to 80 m, has a payload of 14,000 tonnes, and is equipped with a DP2 positioning system. In comparison to the existing jack-up vessels in the Jan De Nul fleet, Voltaire has 100 percent more deck space.
Jan De Nul said Voltaire will also be available for oil and gas industry projects, and for decommissioning of offshore structures.
