Les Alizés, Jan De Nul’s cutting-edge floating offshore installation vessel, is reportedly gearing up for its maiden assignment in Germany. Its primary task is to transport and install monopile foundations and an offshore substation topside for Ørsted’s wind farms. The vessel took approximately two years to construct at the CMHI Haimen shipyard. Thus, it boasts impressive capabilities. It is also specifically designed to handle and install the heaviest offshore wind turbine foundations and components.
Les Alizés has a main crane capacity of 5,000 tonnes, a deck loading capacity of 61,000 tonnes, and a spacious deck area measuring 9,300 square meters. Les Alizés is also well-equipped to transport several large foundations in a single trip. Its crane features the Universal Quick Connector (UQC) developed by Huisman. It is considered one of the largest in its class. Additionally, the vessel incorporates an innovative motion-compensated electrical pile gripper with an integrated guidance and survey system. This further enhances its operational efficiency.
One notable feature of Jan De Nul’s latest vessel is its fully automated monopile handling system. This includes cradles, a skidding system, and an upending hinge. This advanced system enables the efficient handling and installation of extra-large monopiles, streamlining the construction process.
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Les Alizés Floating Offshore Installation Vessel; the next-generation vessel equipped for transporting and installing offshore wind foundations
Currently, Les Alizés is docked at Gdansk Port in Poland, preparing for its inaugural mission. The vessel’s first assignment is to transport and install 107 monopile foundations and an offshore substation topside at Ørsted’s Gode Wind 3 and Borkum Riffgrund 3 offshore wind farms in Germany. These projects, situated in close proximity to Ørsted’s existing wind farms, are set to employ Siemens Gamesa 11 MW offshore wind turbines.
Borkum Riffgrund 3, with a capacity of 900 MW, and Gode Wind 3, with a capacity of 242 MW, will be constructed simultaneously. Gode Wind 3 is expected to be commissioned in 2024, followed by Borkum Riffgrund 3 the following year. These projects mark significant milestones in the advancement of offshore wind energy. Thus, Les Alizés will play a crucial role in their successful implementation.
Jan De Nul‘s investment in Les Alizés underscores their commitment to pushing the boundaries of offshore wind installation capabilities. The vessel’s advanced features, including its immense lifting capacity, spacious deck, and state-of-the-art monopile handling system, demonstrate the company’s dedication to efficient and sustainable offshore wind construction. Les Alizés is poised to impact the renewable energy sector significantly. This facilitates the expansion of wind farms and contributes to the global transition to clean energy sources.
