Friede & Goldman and OIM Wind unveil WTIV design for next-gen wind turbines
US engineering and naval architecture firm Friede & Goldman (F&G), best known for its jackup rig designs, and Norway’s OIM Wind have developed a new wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) to meet the evolving needs of the global offshore wind market.
The so-called FO-146 is based on F&G’s WindSetter Class WTIVs and, according to developers, combines the industry’s latest technology and innovative solutions.
The partners said they have a shared commitment to “delivering superior value for money and addressing the challenges of the wind market”, and that the new vessel design offers unparalleled performance, efficiency, and versatility.
The vessel’s hull can accommodate up to five 18MW or four 20MW wind turbine generator sets, including their full-height towers on its main deck. It has a water depth capacity of 80m and with a 3200t SWL leg encircling crane, has the reach and capacity to install XXL foundations exceeding 3000t.
“We are thrilled to introduce the FO-146 WTIV, a game-changing and “Green” solution that addresses the evolving demands of the offshore wind industry,” said Robert Clague, vice president of engineering at F&G. “Our collaboration with OIM Wind has been instrumental in bringing this innovative design to fruition, combining our expertise and shared vision to deliver a vessel that sets new standards in performance and efficiency.”
Established in 2013, OIM Wind, together with its financial partners, inked an EPC contract in October 2020 with China’s offshore yard CIMC Raffles for the construction of up to two LNG-powered wind farm installation units of the BT-220IU design.
Commenting on the FO-146 WTIV, OIM Wind’s founder and director, Oddgeir Indrestrand, stated: “The FO-146 WTIV exemplifies our commitment to providing innovative solutions for the offshore industry. Through our partnership with Friede & Goldman, we have created a vessel that not only meets the needs of the future global offshore wind market but also offers superior value for money to our clients.”
The unit has already generated significant industry interest with many offshore ongoing tender solicitations, and developers claim that plans are underway for the construction of at least two ships to meet demand in both the US and global offshore markets.
