December 8 - Dutch shipping giant Jumbo has signed a letter of intent with China Merchants Industry Holdings to purchase a DP2 heavy lift crane vessel (HLCV).
The vessel, which Jumbo designed in partnership with Ulstein Design and Solutions, is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2020.
Expected to undertake tasks including the installation of wind turbines and the installation/decommissioning of shallow-water oil and gas facilities, the HLCV will have dual-fuel engines and the capacity to run on natural gas.
With a length of 185 m and a width of 36 m, the vessel will be the largest of its type with an X-BOW® hull; an inverted bow concept that, according to Jumbo, will give the vessel a more consistent travel speed and enhance its ability to work in severe weather conditions.
The new HLCV will be equipped with two Huisman Equipment-designed offshore mast cranes, with a lifting capacity of 2,200 and 400 tonnes respectively. Both cranes will have water depth ratings of 3,000 m.
The vessel will also boast a moon pool and will be flex-lay prepared.
