![Ulstein unveils new heavy-lift foundation installation vessel concept](https://www.projectcargojournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Ulstein-unveils-new-heavy-lift-foundation-installation-vessel-concept-480x260.jpeg)
Ulstein unveils new heavy-lift foundation installation vessel concept
Ulstein is aiming to respond to the need for new foundation installation tonnage with the ULSTEIN NX122 design added to its portfolio. The design features an ULSTEIN X-BOW and an ultra-high-capacity crane, enabling operators and contractors to efficiently transport and install monopiles or jacket foundations up to 5,000 tons.
New foundation installation tonnage is quickly needed. The significant shortage of foundation installation vessels as projected by market analysts and brokers, calls for immediate action. “We identified and addressed that issue already some years ago”, says Nick Wessels, marketing & sales manager at Ulstein Design & Solutions. “Based on extensive market studies we developed what we believe is the most efficient solution for the industry; the ULSTEIN HX118 design”.
“However, the quick developments in this industry create uncertainty with wind farm developers, where we see for some future projects the preference to install even larger foundations up to 5,000 tons. Hence the need for a larger capacity vessel,” states Wessels.
Ko Stroo, product manager at Ulstein Design & Solutions, added, “Significant R&D effort has been put into the development of our heavy lift vessel portfolio, working closely with industry partners on mission equipment integration, operability performance and lowering CO2 emissions, creating safer and more efficient installation vessels using proven technologies.” He continues: “The ULSTEIN HX122 is our latest and largest heavy lift vessel design, allowing contractors to keep pace with the rapid growth of wind turbine foundations.”
The vessel will feature an overall length of 230 metres, and will have a crane capacity of 8,000 tons as well as 10,000 square metres of deck area.
You just read one of our premium articles free of charge
Register now to keep reading premium articles.