The first self-propelled offshore wind turbine installation vessel with a lifting capacity of 1,300 metric tons, produced by the Qidong Branch of China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) Shipping Group, began operating on Dec 16.

The vessel makes use of many advanced technologies, some of which have broken domestic records. It is the most advanced and comprehensive wind turbine installation vessel in China.

The vessel is 105 meters long and 42 m wide and its deck is the size of a standard football field. It can meet the transportation and preassembly demands of three six-megawatt wind turbine units or two eight-megawatt units.

The maximum operating depth of the vessel is 50 m, and it can sail continuously for 3,000 sea miles and endure a category 16 typhoon. Its strong lifting capacity and advanced working systems greatly improve its installation efficiency and accuracy.

The first self-propelled offshore wind turbine installation vessel with a lifting capacity of 1,300 metric tons, produced by a Qidong-based company, begins operating on Dec 16. [Photo/WeChat account: qidong_BTV]

The vessel received investment from China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) Harbor and Channel Engineering Bureau Group Co and the overall design was created by China State Shipbuilding Corporation. It took just 16.5 months to complete the vessel, faster than any other similar project ever undertaken in the country.

The Qidong Branch of COSCO Shipping Group has built four advanced offshore windmill installation vessels for the Netherlands and Denmark, which are operating successfully and have helped promote the global development of clean energy.