Netherlands-based contractor LiftOff has launched its new Major Component Exchange Vessel (MCEV), aimed at improving offshore wind turbine maintenance efficiency, at the RenewableUK Global Offshore Wind exhibition in London.
The vessel integrates LiftOff’s proprietary up-tower crane technology with the capabilities of modern dynamically positioned (DP) vessels and specialised mission equipment. It is designed to address increasing demand for offshore wind maintenance as turbine fleets age and traditional heavy-lift vessel availability becomes constrained.
“With this new vessel, LiftOff is changing the game in the MCE market,” said Eelko May, managing director of LiftOff. “The MCEV allows us to scale our services and better support wind farm owners, operators and turbine OEMs across the globe.”
LiftOff plans to offer turnkey solutions for major component exchanges (MCEs), targeting reduced downtime and operational costs. The MCEV is engineered to transport multiple generators and gearboxes, supporting both large-scale and smaller MCE operations.
The vessel is based on a DP2-class design and features a nacelle-mounted winch system that eliminates the need for direct load connections to the vessel, enhancing safety during component replacement. A motion-compensated platform on the aft deck enables stable transport of crane equipment and turbine components.
In addition, a motion-compensated walk-to-work system allows for secure transfer of crew and smaller components in offshore conditions. Unlike jack-up vessels, the MCEV does not require seabed contact, removing the need for pre-arrival site surveys and reducing lead times.
LiftOff says the vessel’s dynamic positioning capability enables precise station-keeping in adverse weather, improving access and reducing turbine downtime – a key factor in maintaining levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) competitiveness amid a growing offshore wind market.
