Vuyk Engineering Rotterdam has been contracted by Danish based vessel operator Cadeler for the engineering works supporting the upgrade of the installation vessel Wind Orca.
Next generation wind turbines with capacity ratings exceeding 14MW, require improved crane lifting capacity from the vessels used to install, operate, and maintain offshore wind turbines. For this reason Cadeler (previously Swire Blue Ocean) signed a contract with NOV to upgrade the jack-up Wind Orca with a new 1600 metric tons leg encircling crane.
Engineering work on the integration of the new crane
The Wind Orca currently has a lifting cpacity of 1200 metric tons lifting capacity at a radius of 31 meters. The new crane will have a lifting capacity of 1600 metric tons at a radius of 40 meters, with the main hook at a height of 159.7 meters above the main deck.
Vuyk will execute the engineering works on the integration of the new crane, which includes the structural analysis of the legs, jacking system and vessel hull. Also, the boom rest tower will be replaced by a new designed structure which fits the new crane boom.
Mikkel Gleerup, CEO of Cadeler, commented: “Cadeler is pleased to be working with Vuyk again for this vessel upgrade. Based on previous engineering support delivered by Vuyk, Cadeler feels a high level of assurance that Vuyk can be trusted to uphold the structural integrity of our assets and the maintenance of a safe environment for offshore operations.”
Floris Toetenel, Commercial Director of Vuyk, commented: “Vuyk is proud to be selected as the independent engineering partner for this extensive upgrade. This contract further strengthens our relationship with Cadeler, which is built over the years. Besides that, this project underlines our capabilities in jack-up technology once again.”
The crane replacement on Wind Orca is expected to be initiated in October 2023 with completion in March 2024. As part of the contract Cadeler has also secured an option in the contract to replace the crane on vessel Wind Osprey.