Boskalis Starts Prepping Finesse for Offshore Wind Work

Singapore-based Keppel Shipyard has secured a contract from Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V for the conversion of a semi-submersible heavy lift vessel, Finesse, to a crane vessel.

After the upgrade, Finesse will be equipped with a 3,000 tonne crane, dynamic positioning (DP2) capabilities, as well as accommodation for up to 150 people, Keppel Shipyard said.

The vessel, which is already berthed at Keppel Shipyard, will also be capable of transporting and installing offshore wind turbine foundations upon its completion in the third quarter of 2017.

Boskalis mentioned the conversion of the vessel in October 2016, when it won a contract from DONG Energy for the transport and installation of the Hornsea Project One foundations, saying the converted vessel will be used on the project.

Also, Boskalis already converted its semi-submersible barge Giant 7 ahead of works on the Wikinger offshore wind project. Giant 7 is now a construction barge with an integrated pedestal for a permanent crane. The vessel has been equipped with a 1,000t crane, an accommodation unit for around 70 people and an 8-point mooring system for flexible utilization.