Dutch offshore equipment supplier Huisman has signed a contract with Keppel AmFELS to supply a leg crane (LEC) for the first Jones Act-compliant wind turbine installation vessel – Dominion Energy’s Charybdis.
As recently reported, Dominion Energy has signed a contract with Keppel AmFELS, a US subsidiary of Keppel in Singapore, for the engineering, procurement and construction of the ship, which was designed by NOV’s GustoMSC business unit. Construction work started last week.
Huisman provided information on the crane to be supplied for the ship that will serve the growing offshore wind market in the US: “With a lifting capacity of 2,200 m, a lightweight design, a 130 m boom and yet the compact house Crane is unique and ideal for installing next-generation offshore wind turbines and foundations. “
“The Huisman crane will ensure Dominion Energy’s Charybdis is suitable for large-scale installation of offshore wind developments in the US. Several gigawatts of offshore wind capacity are expected to be installed on the east coast over the next decade. Wind market compliance with the Jones Act offshore wind turbines is strategic, “the company said.
For this project, Huisman will implement the same technology used for the LEC for Seajacks’ Scylla offshore wind installation vessel.
The crane is scheduled for delivery in 2023. Huisman North America, based in Rosenberg, Texas, plans to commission and test it at the Keppel AmFELS shipyard in Brownsville, Texas.
Mark D. Mitchell, Senior Vice President, Project Construction at Dominion Energy: “A Jones Act-compliant offshore wind installation vessel is critical to the continued growth of the US offshore wind industry. Huisman is a global leader and brings years of experience to this company. It will also enable the offshore wind industry to deliver clean, renewable energy to customers in the US. “
With the Huisman Leg Encircling Crane as shared by Huisman:
- A fully electrically powered system that results in high positioning accuracy, less maintenance and greater reliability.
- A unique Lambda cantilever design that ensures a light and rigid design.
- The stiff construction of the lambda-shaped boom leads to less movement at the crane tip.
- Small stern swing for optimized use of the free deck.
