Jan De Nul, Belgian offshore construction and dredging group, announced that it ordered its third and largest offshore wind turbine installation group at COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry in China. The offshore Jack-Up installation vessel ‘Voltaire’ is set to be delivered in 2022.
The offshore Jack-Up installation vessel ‘Voltaire’ will have a payload of 14,000 tonnes and a crane capacity of more than 3,000 tonnes.
Specifically, the group commented that Voltaire will be the largest vessel of its kind in the world, and will be specifically constructed to handle wind turbines that can reach more than 270 meters high and 120-meter-long blades.
The Voltaire will also be deployable for the oil and gas industry, and for decommissioning of offshore structures.
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In addition to its size and capability, Voltaire will be environmentally friendly, by taking the same highly advanced emission control technology on board as all other Ultra-Low Emission vessels in the Jan De Nul fleet.
Moreover, the Group highlighted that as some offshore construction activities have to be conducted close to shore, the latest Jan De Nul vessels are equipped with scrubbers, in order to comply with the stricter European land and inland waterways emission regulations EURO STAGE V.
The Voltaire will be designed to transport, lift and install offshore wind turbines, transition pieces and foundations. Key features include a main crane of over 3,000 tonnes, an operating depth of approximately 80 meters, a payload of about 14,000 tonnes and accommodation for 100 persons. The vessel has four legs to lift itself above the sea level for stable working conditions and is equipped with a DP2 system.
Philippe Hutse, Offshore Director at Jan De Nul Group commented
We recognize the global trend towards larger wind turbines for increased green energy demands. The Voltaire will have all the required specifications to meet the upcoming challenges.
