The Vallianz hybrid heavy transport vessel of the ULSTEIN HX120 design. Illustration courtesy Vallianz
Singapore-based Vallianz Holdings has initiated a project to develop a first-of-its-kind hybrid battery-powered heavy transport vessel (HTV) to serve the global offshore wind industry.
The HTV will be deployed for the transportation of structures such as monopiles, jackets, transition pieces and turbine blades to support offshore wind farm projects, as well as heavy structure modules for LNG and carry out floatover operations of offshore structures.
With zero emission capability, the DP-2 vessel will be driven by a hybrid power system consisting of alternative dual fuelled engines and a fully-classed battery energy storage system.
Measuring an overall length of 173.6 meters, the customised ULSTEIN HX120 design will have a free deck length of 145 meters. With her large deck area of more than 6,000 square meters and deck strength of 25 tonnes per square meter, the new HTV can carry cargoes of up to 32,000 metric tonnes. This includes very
large structures and modules, such as monopiles, transition pieces and jacket foundations.
The design of the HTV is developed by the Dutch design office of Noway-based Ulstein Group. The HTV will also feature the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, contributing to reduced energy consumption, greater comfot, and safer operations when sailing through waves.
The HTV’s electric battery system is to be provided by Canadian-based Shift, while the vessel will be classed by Bureau Veritas.
Construction is expected to take up to 26 months with planned completion by the end of 2024.
Representatives from Vallianz, Ulstein, Shift and Bureau Veritas attended a signing ceremony held at Ulstein’s office in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
“This collaboration is a key development in the Group’s strategy to build a stronger presence in the global offshore wind farm industry,” said Osman Ibrahim, Chairman of Vallianz. “It follows closely on the heels of another strategic project that we embarked on for the construction of a next generation Service Operation Vessel to support the operations and maintenance of offshore wind farms.”
With the ever-increasing size of offshore wind turbines and components, larger vessels will be required to meet the growing demand for transportation. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, the offshore wind market experienced its best year yet in 2021 with 21.1 GW commissioned, more than three times in 2020. GWEC expects more than 90 GW of offshore capacity to be added worldwide from 2022 to 2026.
“Since 2010, offshore wind has been a focus market for Ulstein”, said Cathrine Marti, CEO of Ulstein Group. “With our track record in SOVs, heavy lift vessels and rock installation vessels, we have built up a strong position as a ship designer supporting offshore wind installation and maintenance. This agreement with Vallianz is an important step for us, as it is in line with our strategy to expand into vessels supporting offshore wind logistics.”
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