Knud E Hansen has unveiled the latest in a series of new-generation turbine installation vessels, the Atlas A-class
The Atlas A-class is designed to transport four new-generation, 14-MW wind turbines and is tailored for cost-effective installation of large-scale windfarms. The company unveiled a somewhat larger wind turbine installer, the Atlas C-class late in 2020.
The new design is dimensioned to transport and assemble wind turbines on pre-installed foundations. As a result, the Atlas A-class is optimised for efficient jacking operations and has a 1,600-2,500-tonne crane.
In keeping with the philosophy of the Atlas series, A-class vessels can be customised by selecting cranes, thrusters, generators and jacking systems to meet the specific requirements of clients and product availability.
The vessel is powered by eight generators connected to a DC grid and a battery pack, allowing the engines to run at variable speed for fuel efficiency while also utilising load levelling and peak shaving.
The batteries not only provide instant power, avoiding unnecessary spinning reserve power from the generators, but also make it possible to recover approximately 60% of the energy used for jacking, when the jacking units are reversed on the way down.
The Atlas A-class has a high-speed electrical rack-and-pinion jacking system designed for 5,000 load cycles, ensuring the legs and components will withstand wear throughout the life of the vessel. The vessel has ample accommodation with room for 114.
With a length overall (excluding helideck) of 155.40 m and a moulded breadth of 57.40 m, the vessel has a draught of 6.50 m at 14,000 tonnes deadweight and speed at 6.2 m draught of 12 knots.
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