11 April 2023
Maersk Supply Service has entered a collaboration with GustoMSC to design the next generation of Wind Installation Vessel. The aim is to create an upgraded version that is fit for purpose for the growing offshore wind market in Europe.
The new design will build on the same patent and characteristics of the current feeder concept, which was designed to operate in US waters. This unique patented design will allow the jack-up Wind Installation Vessel to stay on location at the wind park, while only tugs and barges sail back and forth from port to collect the wind turbine tower, nacelle, and blades. This concept is cost-competitive and expected to be more than 30% more efficient than conventional jack-up vessels.
Additionally, this solution will be less weather dependent, enabling continuous installations year-round. Combined, these elements will contribute to improving operational efficiency and lower levelised costs of energy from offshore wind.
“Europe is an attractive market for offshore wind, and we believe that our concept is also suitable for this region. As the Wind Installation Vessel itself does not sail into ports, this can solve some of the bottlenecks we currently see in Europe, where only a few ports are large enough to handle the growing wind turbine sizes. We look forward to collaborating with GustoMSC on getting this new basic design ready,” says the Chief Commercial Officer at Maersk Supply Service, Jonas Munch Agerskov.
“As GustoMSC, a subsidiary of NOV, we look forward to working with the Maersk Supply Service team on a next generation wind turbine installation jack-up for the international market. Having a decades long history of working together, both companies will combine their years of offshore experience and design know-how in this collaboration. Against the backdrop of growing turbine sizes, we jointly aim to further improve installation efficiencies and development economics in the bottom-fixed offshore wind market.”, says Managing Director GustoMSC, Nils van Nood.
Maersk Supply Service and GuscoMSC will start the basic design process shortly and expect to conclude it later in 2023.
About Maersk Supply Service
Maersk Supply Service is a leading provider of marine services and project solutions for offshore energy sectors. With a large fleet of anchor handling and subsea support vessels, the company specialises in towing, mooring, and installing floating units.
Maersk Supply Service is committed to decarbonising its fleet and focuses on energy efficiency and ocean health. The company is expanding into renewable industries such as floating wind and ocean cleaning.
Maersk Supply Service, as a subsidiary of A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S, employs around 1100 offshore and 220 onshore staff. Headquartered in Lyngby, Denmark, the company has a global presence in Angola, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Guyana, Mexico, Norway, the Philippines, and the UK.
For more information, visit www.maersksupplyservice.com
About GustoMSC
With more than 150 years of experience and a rich history of innovation in the maritime industry, our experienced, reputable designers and engineers translate science and technical knowledge into realistic, creative ideas to help solve the unique challenges presented by the Offshore Wind and Oil & Gas markets.
Through our operational support and engineering consultancy, we help to further optimize the performance of new and existing jack-ups, vessels, and semi submersibles to enable safe and efficient operations at sea.