ABB to power Japanese wind turbine installation vessel

Japan Marine United Corporation has contracted ABB to provide power and control technologies for the wind turbine installation vessel it is building for Shimizu Corporation.

This is the first self-elevating wind turbine installation vessel built in Japan.

ABB will deliver a closed ring configuration for the vessel’s dynamic positioning operations, enabling safe and predictable performance with high tolerance in the event of the power plant fault.

The company’s scope also covers the delivery and system integration of generators, high voltage switchboard system, the variable speed drives and motors for main propulsion and bow thrusters, and the power and energy management system.

The 28,000-gross tonnage vessel is expected to be delivered in 2022.

Shimizu Corp.’s 142-metre (466-foot) newbuild will feature what is said to be the greatest lifting and carrying capacity ever available on a wind turbine installation vessel.

Using a 2,500-ton crane capable of a maximum lift height of 158 metres (518 feet), the ship will be able to transport and install seven eight-MW wind turbines in one voyage and operate in waters depths ranging between ten and 65 metres (33 and 213 feet).

Source: Offshore Magazine