AMSTERDAM, Jan 6 (Reuters) – Boskalis has announced the addition of a new subsea rock installation (SRI) vessel, the Windpiper, to its offshore wind fleet. The company described the vessel as “state-of-the-art” and the largest of its kind in the industry, with a cargo capacity of 45,500 metric tons.
The Windpiper will significantly enhance Boskalis' position in the specialized SRI market, where it currently operates three existing vessels. The introduction of this new vessel effectively doubles the company's capacity, solidifying its leadership in the offshore wind sector. “This state-of-the-art vessel will stand as the largest SRI vessel in the industry,” said Boskalis in a statement.
Set to be delivered in the first quarter of 2026, the Windpiper is expected to play a crucial role in advancing the energy transition. Initially, it will support offshore wind projects in northwest Europe, with potential for use in regions such as the North American east coast, the Baltic Sea, and the Southern North Sea.
The Windpiper is being developed by converting an existing new vessel under the supervision of Boskalis. The vessel will be 227 meters long and 40 meters wide, with a total installed power of more than 31,000 kW. It will feature a moonpool for fall pipe installation and an inclined fall pipe, which are essential for protecting offshore structures, particularly the foundations of offshore wind turbines.
Equipped with seven thrusters and DP2 certification, the Windpiper is designed to perform optimally in challenging offshore conditions. Its substantial cargo capacity, divided across two holds, makes it well-suited for projects that involve long transit distances between rock loading facilities and project sites.
The large capacity of the Windpiper will reduce the number of required round trips, leading to fewer emissions and lower costs per installed volume of rock. Additionally, the vessel is equipped with over 100 single-occupancy cabins, ensuring ample accommodation for both crew members and client representatives onboard.
