Offshore Heavy Transport has ordered two new installation vessels with China Merchants Heavy Industry. “We are responding to client concerns about the lack of capable vessel capacity in the booming offshore wind market”, says CEO Torgeir Ramstad. The first vessel is expected to be delivered in early 2023. 

The vessels will be jack-ups of GustoMSC design and will be prepared to efficiently handle the next generation WTGs, featuring a telescopic crane with a lift capacity of 2,500 tonnes and a lifting height of 165 metres. The ships will be capable of efficiently installing in water depths up to 65m.

OHT has put emphasis on the sustainability of the vessels. They are equipped with heat recovery, battery hybrid solutions as well as a sophisticated electrical and control system, reducing CO2 emissions by 20% compared to similar units. The vessels will also be prepared for fuel cells powered by hydrogen to be installed to cut emissions even further.

VIND Offshore

The venture is based on a concept and business model initially developed by VIND Offshore Installation AS and its founder Rune Magnus Lundetræ, OHT says.

“We look forward to our involvement in the world’s first integrated pure-play T&I company in the offshore wind segment with interesting triggers for further growth, including the expansion of the Alfa Lift series of foundation vessels and possibly more jack-ups through exercising the options”, comments Rune Magnus Lundetræ.

Offshore wind

OHT has been active in the heavy transport market for 14 years, with clients predominantly coming from the oil and gas markets. Two years ago, the company last year ordered its first offshore installation vessel Alpha lift in response to the growing offshore wind market.

The Alpha Lift will be delivered next year and feature deck space of more than 10,000 m2 and a 3,000-tonne crane. OHT has already secured a large contract for the vessel, which will be installing the foundations for the Dogger Bank A & B offshore wind farms of 1.2 GW each. Works will start in 2022.