PRESS RELEASE – Boskalis has selected Huisman Equipment to build and deliver the 4,000-tonne mast crane for its new crane vessel Bokalift 2. The offshore contractor announced the construction of the new giant vessel last week, following the signing of a new contract for offshore wind farms in Taiwan.

With a lifting capacity of 4,000 tonnes at 100 metres above deck, this crane is capable of lifting jackets for wind turbines off the deck of the vessel. A fly jib allows lifting of smaller components up to a height of 125 metres above deck.

The configuration of the hoisting tackles is such that the crane is capable of lifting large jackets and of upending long monopiles from a horizontal to vertical position. The crane is outfitted with a carefully selected number of auxiliary systems, aimed specifically at installing tall structures while the vessel is subject to wave-induced motions.

“The particular characteristics of the Huisman mast crane have proven to be advantageous for offshore construction vessels. These cranes have a small footprint and no tail swing, which leaves maximum space on the deck of the vessel for payload”, the company states.

The choice for Huisman does not come as a surprise. The company also delivered the 3,000-tonne mast crane for the Bokalift 1 back in 2017. Like its predecessor, the Bokalift 2 will consist of a converted existing hull. The giant crane vessel will have room for 150 people and boast 7,500 square metres of free deck space.

The launching project for the new crane vessel will be the installation of jackets for the Taiwanese Changfang and Xidao offshore wind farm project which was awarded to Boskalis recently.