DEME launched its first ever Service Operation Vessel (SOV) at the CEMRE shipyard in Yalova, Turkey, marking a major milestone in its fleet history. Named ‘Groene Wind’, the Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) vessel is deployed for wind farm maintenance activities.
‘Groene Wind’ is due for delivery in 2021 and is directly chartered to Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy for the maintenance of the Rentel and Mermaid & Seastar (known as SeaMade) offshore wind farms in Belgium. This is the first DP2, twin-hulled SOV in the world, and the first to serve three different wind farm sites.
DEME’s in-house newbuild team worked in close collaboration with Vuyk Engineering Rotterdam and research institute MARIN. The new vessel significantly improves safety, comfort, and workability for wind farm technicians - even in the roughest sea conditions.
Impressive cuts in fuel consumption
The SWATH design ensures low wave impact on movements when approaching wind turbines. ‘Groene Wind’ will enable safe crew transfers in significant wave heights. Her DP2 technology means that the vessel can hold its position in rough seas but at the same time operate with lower fuel consumption. An impressive fuel consumption reduction of up to 50% can be achieved, further reducing the cost of wind farm maintenance.
In line with her green credentials, environmental considerations are integral to the vessel design and include a waste heat recovery system and a Clean Design notation.
Safety and comfort
At 60 m long, the SOV will be equipped with a motion-compensated gangway and daughter craft to safely transfer technicians to the wind turbines. It is also designed according to the latest comfort standards, allowing the vessel to be a homely offshore base for up to 24 technicians and a nautical crew.
