DEME unveils giant wind turbine vessel to boost offshore energy ambitions
A new offshore vessel is set to strengthen Europe’s wind energy ambitions after being officially named in Oslo.
The maritime contractor DEME has unveiled its latest installation ship, Norse Wind, during a ceremony in Oslo, Norway. The vessel is designed to install some of the world’s largest offshore wind turbines and reflects the rapid growth in turbine size and capacity.
DEME, which began offshore wind installations around 20 years ago, now generates more than half of its €4.2 billion annual turnover from offshore activities. The company says the new ship will further boost its operations in this sector.
Norse Wind is equipped to handle turbines with rotor diameters of up to 300 metres. It features four legs that can anchor into the seabed at depths of up to 70 metres, lifting the vessel above the waves during installation work. A heavy crane, reaching up to 180 metres, can install up to five turbines per voyage.
According to DEME offshore head Hugo Bouvy, the vessel is among the largest of its kind worldwide and is part of a new generation of highly specialised installation ships.
The ship entered DEME’s fleet following the acquisition of Norwegian firm Havfram, a deal worth around €900 million. That acquisition also included additional vessels and a strong pipeline of future projects.
A sister vessel, Norse Energi, is also expected to join the fleet in the near future.
On Tuesday, Belgium’s King and Queen visited the vessel during a state visit focused on energy cooperation between the two countries.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde are strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with Norway, which is already a major supplier of energy to Belgium. The visit also included discussions on offshore wind, carbon capture, and defence cooperation.
#FlandersNewsService | Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium visit Norse Wind © BELGA PHOTO POOL DIDIER LEBRUN