Fred. Olsen Windcarrier (FOWIC) is continuing the preparation of its its jack-up vessel Bold Tern for the next generation wind turbines. The vessel is currently undergoing modification at Keppel FELS Pioneer Yard in Singapore. 

The company noted that the hull and jacking system modifications are well underway, as preparations for the new Huisman 1,600-ton main crane installation in the first quarter of 2022 continue. This upgrade will more than double Bold Tern’s lifting capacity while maintaining the deck load capacity, making it capable of installing all known upcoming turbine sizes.

When it was built in 2013, it was designed to carry and lift the 3.6MW turbines in use at the time. Today, turbines have grown to be far larger and heavier, and plans for the installation of turbines up to 15MW are already in place. While this means greater efficiency for electricity generation, their size and weight present a serious challenge in terms of transportation, installation, and maintenance.

As a result, the decision was made to install a new 1600-ton LEC 65500 leg encircling crane on board Bold Tern. The new crane will be the highest in the market upon arrival, making the vessel one of the few in the world capable of installing the latest generation wind turbines.

€80 million worth of new contracts booked

FOWIC has recently executed three new contracts and reservation agreements with a combined revenue of up to €80 million. The contracts will cover approximately 300 days in 2022 and 200 days in 2023, in both Europe and APAC. Two contracts are linked to projects where FOWIC is already involved.

Following these new contracts, FOWIC’s total revenue backlog stands at approximately  €355m of which 18 percent is linked to options.

Brave Tern gets an upgrade

In accordance with the previously announced vessel upgrade program, a firm order for a new 1600-ton crane for Brave Tern is now placed with Huisman. The installation on the vessel is expected to be completed in 2024.

Brave Tern is a self-elevating and self-propelled jack-up offshore wind turbine installation vessel. With an 800-tonne wrap-around-the-leg crane and 3200 m2 of open deck space, the installation vessel can transport, lift, and install any turbine on the market today.