Swiss offshore contractor Allseas has placed an order for a new heavy transport vessel, aimed at expanding its fleet and bolstering its capabilities in the offshore wind sector, the company said on Thursday.
The 40,000-tonne capacity vessel, named Grand Tour, will be constructed by Guangzhou Shipyard International in China, with delivery expected in the first quarter of 2028. The semi-submersible ship is designed to work in tandem with Allseas’ existing installation vessel Pioneering Spirit, enabling the transfer and single-lift installation of large offshore structures.
Allseas said the vessel will improve project execution by integrating transport and installation operations into a single process. “This addition to our fleet is more than an expansion – it’s a strategic investment that enhances our ability to deliver fully integrated transport and installation solutions for some of the world’s most ambitious offshore energy projects,” said project director Pieter Kambier.
The Grand Tour will feature a 180-metre by 57-metre cargo deck, a methanol-ready 24MW propulsion system, and a high-capacity ballast system capable of pumping 24,000 cubic metres per hour, according to the company.
Allseas noted the vessel will support its role in TenneT’s 2GW offshore wind programme, which aims to install 28GW of grid connections in the Dutch and German sectors of the North Sea by 2032.
In addition to offshore wind, the vessel will be deployed for fleet relocation and floating cargo transport, broadening its utility across Allseas’ operations.
The company did not disclose the cost of the vessel.
