Kongsberg Maritime’s industry-leading wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) technology has won another important customer, following the signing of a major contract with American shipbuilder Keppel AmFELS, a subsidiary of the world’s leading shipyard group Keppel Offshore & Marine.
The agreement will see Kongsberg Maritime (KM) supply a comprehensive technology package for a new WTIV destined to be among the largest of its type, which Keppel is constructing for the U.S.-based energy provider Dominion Energy. Kongsberg Maritime is headquartered in Norway with several offices in the United States, including locations in Houston, Seattle and New Orleans.
Capable of transporting and installing current- and future-generation wind turbines and foundations, the new NG-16000XL WTIV will be the first to be built in compliance with America’s Jones Act, a federal law that regulates maritime commerce in the U.S. and requires goods shipped between U.S. ports to be transported on ships that are built, owned and operated by U.S. citizens.
Crucial to the operation of the new vessel – which is expected to be delivered by the end of 2023 – is a Kongsberg Maritime Integrated Solution for wind turbine installation vessels. This well-proven solution combines KM’s motion control, propulsion and dynamic positioning functionalities to maintain operability in all conditions.
Kongsberg Maritime thrusters will secure optimised performance both for transit, manoeuvring and dynamic positioning, with power supplied by six Bergen diesel engines. Mooring and line handling is facilitated by a comprehensive KM deck machinery package.
Monitoring and control of the KM components will be managed by a K-Chief 700 marine automation system, and the delivery also includes a large telecommunications package. The electrical system will use KM’s Energy Solutions.
“Kongsberg Maritime brings years of experience and state-of-the-art technology to the construction of America’s first Jones Act-compliant offshore wind turbine installation vessel, which is a critical asset for the growth of offshore wind generation in the U.S.,” said Mark D. Mitchell, Dominion Energy’s senior vice president of project construction.
“We take a genuine pride in bringing the benefits of our technological expertise to all maritime sectors,” added Egil Haugsdal, President, Kongsberg Maritime. “The bespoke solution we have devised for wind turbine installation vessels indicates how much thought and effort we devote to facilitating and encouraging sustainable marine operations. We are pleased to be a key supplier to the first WTIV to be built under the Jones Act requirements, ably demonstrating that Kongsberg Maritime is well placed to be a trusted partner in WTIV construction projects for the U.S. market.”
