Dutch marine contractor Van Oord has completed a colossal upgrade to its heavy-lift installation vessel, the Svanen, in a feat of overnight engineering marvel. Standing tall after a night of meticulous work, the Svanen boasts a staggering 25-metre increase in height, achieved through the installation of a massive 1,200-tonne A-frame gantry extension.

This growth spurt propels the Svanen into the ranks of the world’s largest heavy-lift vessels, with a total height now reaching an impressive 125 metres. The colossal upgrade was meticulously executed at Mammoet Schiedam, one of the world’s largest crane facilities.

“We are immensely proud to have constructed one of the largest steel structures in our history for the extension of Van Oord’s Svanen, including the provision of new accommodation units. This project required not only exceptional precision in engineering but also presented us with significant logistical challenges. Thanks to the extraordinary dedication and collaboration of all teams involved, we have successfully realised this technical milestone. We are honoured to have played a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities of the Svanen, thereby contributing to the future of renewable energy and offshore wind projects,” said Marco Hoogendoorn, Commercial Director at Holland Shipyards.

Enhanced heavy-lift brawn for the next generation of wind turbines

The upgrade extends far beyond mere height. The Svanen’s lifting capacity has received a significant boost, jumping from 3,000 tonnes to a formidable 4,500 tonnes. This enhanced strength is further bolstered by a modernized gripper system designed to handle heavier loads, and structural modifications to accommodate the latest hammer size needed for offshore wind projects.

This heavy-lift giant’s transformation is a strategic response to the ever-evolving landscape of renewable energy. As wind farm technology advances rapidly, turbine size continues to trend upwards. By fortifying the Svanen, Van Oord ensures it remains at the forefront of handling the next generation of colossal monopile foundations, the critical base structures for offshore wind farms.

“I’m proud to be part of a dedicated project team giving the Svanen yet another life. Originally deployed for bridge construction, the vessel has been contributing to offshore wind construction since the start of the energy transition. Following a significant upgrade in 2017, it is now undergoing further enhancements to continue installing many more foundations for offshore wind farms in the years ahead,” Maarten Loman, Project Manager Svanen modification at Van Oord, said.

The upgraded heavy-lift vessel is set to rejoin the fleet in the third quarter of 2024, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s offshore wind projects with renewed power and capacity.