Van Oord’s brand new offshore installation vessel, Boreas, has been launched at the Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore shipyard in China. Designed specifically for the transport and installation of next-generation foundations and turbines at offshore wind farms, the Boreas boasts a dual-fuel engine set capable of running on methanol. This eco-friendly feature positions the vessel at the forefront of sustainable offshore wind development.

The launch of this behemoth presented a significant engineering challenge due to its sheer size. To ensure a safe and efficient transfer from the construction site to the quay, engineers employed the “skidding method.” This method involves the horizontal transport of heavy and oversized objects along a linear track. Following its arrival at the quay, the Boreas was then skidded onto two pontoons. These pontoons were subsequently submerged in a controlled operation, allowing the vessel to become buoyant.

Presently, safely moored alongside the quay, work on the vessel continues. The main crane installation and extension of the jack-up vessel’s legs are the next steps in the completion process. Additionally, the vessel’s technical systems will undergo further commissioning, followed by sea trials to assess performance. Upon successful completion of these stages, the shipyard will hand over Boreas to Van Oord.

“The launch of the Boreas is a major milestone for Van Oord,” said Johan de Graaf, Project Manager Shipbuilding at Van Oord. “A big thanks to the project teams and all subcontractors and suppliers who worked with great commitment and dedication towards this crucial stage of the construction process. With the Boreas now afloat, we’re entering the final stages of the newbuilding, and we are excited to continue our journey towards successful delivery.”

Van Oord has strategically prepared the Boreas vessel to handle the burgeoning offshore wind industry. This 175-metre-long giant boasts an impressive crane with a 155-metre-high boom, capable of lifting over 3,000 tonnes. Furthermore, four massive legs, each measuring 126 metres, will allow the vessel to be jacked up and operate in waters up to 70 metres deep. This capability positions Boreas at the forefront of offshore wind farm construction, enabling the installation of the next generation of 20 MW offshore wind turbines.