EnBW and Wallaby Boats GmbH have unveiled the offshore crew transfer vessel “Impulse” at a ceremony in the port of Kappeln, with the presence of Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Dr. Robert Habeck.
The collaborative effort between the two companies has resulted in the introduction of a vessel equipped with a novel suspension system, designed to facilitate safe access to offshore wind turbines even in challenging sea conditions.
EnBW emphasized that the innovative suspension system not only enhances safety for technicians but also offers greater cost efficiency compared to previous transfer vessels.
The Impulse has been acquired by EnBW for deployment in its Baltic 2 offshore wind farm, where it will commence operations in May, ferrying personnel to offshore worksites.
Dr. Georg Stamatelopoulos, CEO of EnBW, hailed the vessel as a milestone in advancing safety and efficiency in offshore operations. He remarked, “With innovative technologies, we are setting new standards for safe and efficient deployment at sea. The transfer vessel Impulse will help us to produce even more reliable and cost-effective electricity with offshore wind energy in the future.”
Highlighting the significance of German engineering prowess, Stamatelopoulos expressed satisfaction in relying on the technical expertise and quality standards of the country for the development and construction of the ship in Schleswig-Holstein.
Dr. Habeck echoed the sentiment, praising the Impulse as a pioneering example of German engineering. He underscored the importance of such vessels in achieving Germany's ambitious target of generating electricity from offshore wind farms with a total capacity of 30GW by 2030.
“To do this, we will need even more ships like this – an opportunity for industrial growth in our country and the decarbonisation of our energy system,” remarked Dr. Habeck, emphasizing the role of innovative maritime technologies in driving both economic development and environmental sustainability.
