ABS has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) to Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore, for its design of a dual-fuel methanol, heavy-duty, offshore wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV).
According to ABS, the offshore wind turbine installation vessel is capable of transporting and installing the largest wind turbines in the world, capable of producing 16 to 20 megawatts of electricity. Furthermore, ABS supports that the vessel promises to reduce carbon emissions with its dual-fuel methanol propulsion system.
ABS understands and is deeply involved in supporting clients with alternative fuels as part of their decarbonization journey. Methanol has emerged as a favorite among new designs as it represents a ‘here-now’ technology rather than a ‘hoped-for.’
… commented Panos Koutsourakis, ABS Vice President of Global Sustainability.
Quick facts about the vessel:
- The vessel is designed for the European market, with a maximum lifting weight of 3,500 tons and a maximum lifting height of 228 meters above sea level.
- It can carry seven sets of 14 MW or four sets of 20 MW wind turbine components.
- It is equipped with a dual-fuel main engine and hybrid battery system, reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption.
- The design features a 3,500-ton leg encircling crane and a strong, sea-keeping dynamic positioning system (DPS) that aligns with ABS class requirements DPS-2.
Fu Qiang, Director of CIMC Raffles Strategy R&D Centre, explained that given the complex international market and rising raw material prices, the design offers better economics and stronger competitiveness.
Support vessels like WTIVs are in short supply, and new builds are being hampered by challenging market dynamics. This design from Yantai promises to meet the need for high-capacity, heavy-duty offshore wind projects
… said Rob Langford, ABS Vice President, Global Offshore Wind
