ZPMC Launches China’s Largest Offshore Wind Installation Vessel

Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC) launched a new self-propelled offshore wind installation vessel on 28 October. The vessel, named Longyuan Zhenhua 3, has a lifting capacity of 2,000t and a maximum lifting height of 120m.

With the double-hook maximum lifting capacity of 2,000t and single-hook lifting capacity of 1,500t, Longyuan Zhenhua 3 is capable of handling and installing foundations for large offshore wind turbines, according to ZPMC.

The vessel is 100.8m long, 43.2m wide, has an 8.4m draft and can operate at water depths of up to 50m.

The next steps for Longyuan Zhenhua 3 include equipment commissioning and full sea trials.

The vessel was ordered in 2016 by Jiangsu Longyuan Zhenhua Marine Engineering, a 50-50 joint venture between ZPMC and Jiangsu Longyuan Offshore Wind Power (a unit of China Longyuan Power Group). This is the third wind turbine installation vessel ZPMC has built for Jiangsu Longyuan Zhenhua Marine Engineering.

The construction of Longyuan Zhenhua 3 started in November 2016. The keel was laid in February 2017 and the main hull was completed by the end of June.

Jiangsu Longyuan Zhenhua Marine Engineering is involved in the construction of offshore wind farms. The company’s latest project was the installation of two turbines at the Formosa 1 offshore wind farm, the first offshore wind turbines to be installed in waters off Taiwan.

Offshore WIND Staff