Belgium – DEME has held a special naming ceremony for the world’s first DP2, twin-hulled Service Operation Vessel ‘Groenewind’.
The Belgian Federal Minister of Energy, Tinne Van der Straeten is the godmother of this unique vessel, heralding a new era in offshore wind farm maintenance.
Heading to the first job
‘Groenewind’ is slated to begin service shortly after its official naming ceremony, since the vessel is already deployed on a long-term charter contract with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE), transporting technicians to the Rentel and SeaMade offshore wind farms in Belgium.
Improving safety, comfort and workability
The 60 m Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) Service Operation Vessel (SOV) is fitted with a motion adjusted gangway enabling the safe transfer of maintenance specialists to the turbines, even in substantial wave heights of up to 2.5 m, enhancing safety, comfort, and workability.
When approaching wind turbines, the SWATH design assures little wave influence on movements. The ‘Groenewind’ can accommodate 24 technicians and a nautical crew. Because to its DP2 technology, the vessel can maintain its position in strong waves while consuming less fuel. When compared to a monohull SOV, an exceptional fuel consumption reduction of up to 50% can be realized, substantially lowering the cost of wind farm maintenance. The SOV has a waste heat recovery system and a Clean Design designation, as environmental considerations are of the utmost significance.
