Dutch marine contractor Van Oord has disclosed its strategic initiative to enhance the capabilities of its heavy-lift installation vessel, Svanen. The comprehensive upgrade includes a substantial 25-meter extension of the gantry crane, positioning the vessel at the forefront for handling the next generation of monopile foundations in offshore wind projects.
With the gantry crane extension, weighing in at 1200 tonnes, the Svanen is poised to become one of the largest heavy-lift installation vessels globally. Holland Shipyards will undertake the construction of this extension, employing a 200m high Mammoet crane for installation.
Beyond the gantry extension, the upgrade program encompasses multiple enhancements, including an increase in lifting capacity from 3000 tonnes to 4500 tonnes through the upgrading of lifting hooks. Additionally, the gripper will undergo modifications to handle augmented loads, and structural upgrades will be implemented to accommodate the latest hammer size.
The modifications are slated to occur at various locations in the Netherlands, with a focus on the Rotterdam area. The revamped Svanen is expected to be operational in the third quarter of 2024, with its inaugural project being the Baltic Power offshore wind farm in the Polish Baltic Sea.
Arnoud Kuis, Managing Director of Offshore Wind at Van Oord, emphasized the significance of the upgrade in aligning with the evolving landscape of renewable energy. Kuis highlighted the global demand for renewable energy and the increasing scale of wind farm technology, positioning the upgraded Svanen to maintain a leadership role in the dynamic offshore wind industry.
