ZTT to Upgrade 2023-Built Monopile Installation Vessel

June 17, 2024, by Adrijana Buljan

China-based Tier 1 supplier to the offshore wind industry, ZTT, will put its flagship monopile installation vessel Zhongtian 39, launched in October 2023, through an upgrade to prepare the vessel “to take on its next mission with unmatched capabilities”.

A photo of the Zhongtian 39 vessel launch from October 2023 — Zhongtian 39, October 2023; Photo source: ZTT Group

The upgrade will include the integration of a DP2 dynamic positioning system into the vessel which is currently equipped with DP1. ZTT will also add a helipad to Zhongtian 39 and expand the accommodation capacity to 210 people.

ZTT launched the self-propelled crane vessel on 29 October 2023.

Zhongtian 39, which measures 215 meters in length and 51.8 metres in breadth, has two main hooks: a full rotation 3,500-tonne hook and a fixed stern crane with a lifting capacity of 5,000 tonnes. This enables it to lift 3,200-tonne wind turbine foundations and 4,500-tonne substation topsides, according to the company.

The vessel is also fitted with a MENCK 3500kJ hydro pile hammer and has a deck that can accommodate one complete jacket structure or two monopiles, each with a diameter of 10 metres and a length of 120 metres, ZTT said in October 2023.

ZTT’s work in offshore wind outside China is predominantly focused on subsea cables through its subsidiary ZTT Submarine Cable & System, which just recently completed the installation and termination of the 155 kV submarine cable connecting the Gode Wind 3 offshore wind farm to the DolWin kappa offshore converter platform in Germany.