First Wind Farm Installation Vessel for Swire Blue

Swire Blue Ocean’s parent company, Swire Pacific Offshore Operations, has ordered its first offshore wind installation vessel from Samsung Heavy Industries in Korea.

The vessel is scheduled to be delivered in June 2012. The agreement with Samsung provides for an optional second vessel for delivery in 2013.

The vessel will have a significantly improved operating weather window, crane capacity of 1,200 metric tons, a DP2 positioning system, a transit speed in excess of 13 knots, and single cabin accommodation for 111 people. It will be able to operate in depths up to 75 meters, according to the company.

The usable deck area will be in excess of 4,000 square meters, with a total jackable weight of not less than 8,400 metric tons to accommodate a range of wind turbines and equipmen