The Swire Blue Ocean parent company, Swire Pacific Offshore Operations (Pte) Ltd., has announced that it has placed an order for its first windfarm installation vessel (WTG) with Samsung Heavy Industries (Samsung) in Korea. The vessel is scheduled to be delivered in June 2012. The agreement with Samsung also provides for an optional second vessel for delivery in 2013.
The Swire Blue Ocean vessel design is an advanced specification focusing on safety, efficiency and reliability. The vessel offers a significantly improved operating weather window, crane capability of 1200T, DP2 station keeping, a transit speed in excess of 13 knots, single cabin accommodation for 111 people, and the ability to operate in water depths of up to 75 metres. With a usable deck area in excess of 4,000 m2 and a total jackable weight of not less than 8,400 mt, the vessel offers great flexibility in the carriage and installation of offshore wind foundation and turbines of all types and sizes.
"The Swire Blue Ocean vessel is an important and timely innovation for the industry as it moves into deeper waters and more challenging operations” Lars Blicher, General Manager and Director of Swire Blue Ocean, commented. "With more than 30 years offshore experience and a strong commitment to safety, Swire comes to the market confident they will deliver the high quality product, performance and service levels that offshore wind customers are looking for”.