Bonheur, the parent group of wind turbine installation vessel owner Fred. Olsen Windcarrier, has confirmed the company is planning to build a fourth vessel
In its report for Q1 2021, Bonheur said Fred. Olsen Windcarrier, which provides transport and installation services and operation and maintenance services (O&M) for the offshore wind industry, “aims to construct a fourth vessel to supplement its existing fleet.”
Bonheur said Fred. Olsen Windcarrier’s new design “leverages the company’s unique industry experience and client dialogue,” and “will reinforce the company’s market position in a growing market, secure optimisation of fleet utilisation and economies of scale.”
Fred. Olsen Windcarrier owns 100% of two jack-up installation vessels, Brave Tern and Bold Tern, and 51% of the jack-up Blue Tern, including full technical and commercial management. In addition, the company charters the jack-up O&M vessel Jill.
During the quarter, utilisation of the installation and O&M vessels was 74%. Brave Tern continued working in Taiwan. Bold Tern worked on a contract at Moray East. Blue Tern worked in the O&M spot market during the quarter, and Jill worked under a contract for a transformer exchange on the Nord See Ost offshore windfarm.
A vessel-swap agreement was entered into in April 2021 whereby Bold Tern will be replaced by Blue Tern on the Moray East project and Bold Tern will transit to Asia for a crane replacement and contract in Taiwan.
A crane upgrade programme has been initiated for the three vessels, with steel cut for the first new crane and installation due in early 2022.
Bonheur said the new cranes and sponsons installed will secure enhanced turbine carrying capacity and place the three vessels on a par with newbuilds. “The vessels will be able to install 13-15 MW turbines, but also bigger turbines if they come to market,” the company said.
Riviera Maritime Media’s Offshore Energy Webinar Week is being held 14 June 2021 – use this link for more details and to register
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.