PRESS RELEASE – Swire Blue Ocean’s offshore installation vessel Pacific Osprey is returning to operations with an extended crane boom designed. This is to allow the vessel to install the latest generation of wind turbines.

The installation project was completed successfully on 30 May. The lift of the boom onto Pacific Osprey was executed on 14 April by NOV with the use of two shore cranes and was followed by the installation of the wires and hooks. After Pacific Osprey had passed a series of load tests, the final commissioning phase was executed on 8 May and resulted in the obtention of an updated class approval. In parallel, NOV performed a complete training of all the company’s crane operators to ensure they are fully prepared for operation of the new crane.

In the project’s final days, SBO contracted Semco Maritime to install the hook baskets and hook basket supports; this scope required insertion of a steel structure through the vessel’s accommodation. Semco Maritime also elevated the navigation lights to ensure visibility when the new boom is at rest.

New boom

Pacific Osprey’s new boom has a simplified design focused on providing efficient wind turbine installations. It is equipped with a 1200-metric tonne main crane – 132-metre hook height above deck. With its upgraded crane boom, Pacific Osprey is capable of handling the next generation of wind turbine generators, and under normal operating conditions, is capable of handling the following number of turbine sets per loadout:

4 x SG 11.0-193 DD,
5 x V164-10.0 MW,
5 x V174-9.5 MW,
3 x GE Haliade-X 12MW