Rolls-Royce says it has signed a contract with the yard Astilleros Gondan in Spain to design and equip a second service operation vessel for shipowner Østensjø Rederi in support of DONG Energy’s wind farm operations.
According to Rolls-Royce, the repeat order includes an extensive equipment package and is for a new ship design that Rolls-Royce developed specifically to support operations in shallow waters at offshore wind farms.
The UT 540 WP was developed in close cooperation with the customer and benefits from over 40 years of UT ship design experience across 800 vessels, says Rolls-Royce. Further, the new design for offshore wind farm support has a focus on seakeeping capabilities, station keeping performance, improved comfort and safety on board, and reduced fuel consumption.
Rolls-Royce asserts that the first vessel ordered will work on Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm, while the second will work on the Hornsea Project One wind farm, both off the coast of the U.K.
The first wind farm vessel contract to Astilleros Gondan was announced in October 2015, and both vessels will serve as the base for wind turbine technicians while they perform maintenance work on offshore wind farms. A motion compensated gangway system with an adjustable pedestal will be installed to ensure safe operations and optimal uptime.
In addition to designing the vessel, Rolls-Royce will supply the diesel electric main machinery, consisting of frequency-controlled, electric-driven azimuth thrusters, super silent mounted transverse thrusters, DP2 dynamic positioning system, power electrical system, deck machinery, and the latest-generation Acon automation and control system.
