DEME launches innovative service operation vessel

Groene Wind is due for delivery in 2021 and will be chartered by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy for maintenance work on three offshore windfarms: Rentel, Mermaid and Seastar (jointly known as SeaMade).

DEME describes the vessel as the first DP2, twin-hulled SOV in the world. Investing in it means that the company can now offer a package of services to the offshore wind industry, from installation through to maintenance.

DEME’s in-house newbuild team worked in close collaboration with Vuyk Engineering Rotterdam and research institute Maritime Research Institute Netherlands to develop the design of the vessel, the hullform for which is intended to improve safety, comfort and workability for windfarm technicians.

The SWATH design reduces the impact of waves and vessel movement when approaching wind turbines. The company also claims a fuel consumption reduction of up to 50% compared to a monohull SOV. In line with the vessel’s green credentials, the SOV also has a waste heat recovery system and Clean Design notation.
At 60-m long, the SOV will be equipped with a motion-compensated gangway and daughter craft to safely transfer technicians to wind turbines. It is also designed according to the latest comfort class standards.

Siemens Gamesa head of offshore service logistics Rene Wigmans said: “The Rentel and SeaMade windfarms make up the largest wind power installation in Belgium and with Groene Wind we will be able to provide optimised, safe maintenance solutions.”