Texas-headquartered National Oilwell Varco (NOV) has revealed the Enhydra Floating Wind Installation Vessel (FWIV) concept, tailored to meet the demands of the floating wind sector, which often involves sites located farther offshore and in deeper waters.
The Enhydra FWIV is engineered for safe and efficient operation in harsh environments and deep waters, featuring a modular and integrated design. This design facilitates the installation and hookup of various floater types, mooring systems, and dynamic cables, streamlining complex offshore operations.
NOV emphasizes that the combination of mooring and dynamic cable installation and hookup capabilities positions the Enhydra FWIV as a vital asset for large-scale floating wind farms. The design is the outcome of collaboration not only within NOV’s Marine and Construction business unit but also incorporates insights from offshore wind developers, EPIC contractors, and specialist original equipment manufacturers.
The GustoMSC vessel boasts a flexible deck layout and specific provisions for integrating mission equipment, including electric subsea cranes from Lifting and Handling and Remacut cable-lay systems.
Part of GustoMSC’s Enhydra offshore wind support vessel series, the FWIV is designed to address the unique challenges posed by the floating wind market. NOV sees significant potential in the nascent floating wind market, considering it as one of the most promising renewable energy opportunities in the coming decade. Regions globally, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas—particularly the west coast of the United States—offer substantial potential for floating wind projects.
NOV aims to ensure compliance with regional requirements, including the US Jones Act, expanding the potential scope of the local supply chain for the Enhydra FWIV. This approach enables the possibility of constructing the vessel at proficient shipyards worldwide, enhancing the global accessibility of this specialized offshore wind installation vessel.
