Plans by Norwegian construction contractor OIM Wind to build a pair of next-generation wind turbine installation vessels (WTIVs) have moved ahead with a letter of intent (LOI) being signed between the Chinese yard now building the flagship unit, Yantai CIMC Raffles, and Kongsberg Maritime (KM), which will supply key control-technology packages for the newbuild.

Under the deal, KM would provide a marine automation system incorporating its motion control, propulsion and dynamic positioning functionalities for the WTIV, which has been designed for “operability in all conditions” offshore installing ultra-large turbines and foundations.

The vessel, expect to sail out by the end of 2022, will be propelled and positioned by Bergen LNG (liquified natural gas) engines, but will feature an energy storage system that will make it possible for it to run for “limited periods” on battery power alone, by KM’s calculations cutting energy consumption “by up to 30%”.

OIM chief executive Oddgeir Indrestrand, said: “OIM have been working closely with Kongsberg Maritime for many years, and we are very happy to include their advanced range of future-proof equipment and solutions into our units.”

Brynjulv Standal, vice president for offshore sales at KM, said. “The environmentally friendly principles which shape its design, construction and operation mirror our own ambitions to engender sustainability in offshore wind projects, and of course in all maritime sectors. Our technologies are a key element in achieving these green goals.”

OIM’s BT-220IU, which recently received anointment by certification body DNV, features a 2,600 tonne capacity crane cable of handling XL monopiles and high hook height to accommodate nacelle and blade installation on the taller towers foreseen being used for 15MW-plus machines.

A new wave of WTIVs is having to be built by the industry as turbines continue to scale up to once-inconceivable sizes. Expansion of the global offshore wind power fleet is now expected to be slowed “within the next five years” by a shortage of units that can handle installation of the top-of-the-lines machines from Siemens Gamesa, GE and Vestas.

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