Graig to supervise construction of wind turbine vessel

News - February 15, 2002

Graig Shipping says it is providing a full support package for the supervision of the construction of the first of a series of unique high technology Wind Turbine Installation Vessels. The 130m vessels bring together proven technologies to provide a system which will support a new offshore industry, harnessing wind power for electricity generation.

Working with Graig's advice and support, UK-based engineering firm Mayflower Energy Ltd has ordered one ship and has an option for a second vessel from China's Shanhaiguan yard.

"Chinese shipyards are now first choice for new vessel types," says Hugh Williams, CEO of Graig. "Not only are they competitive on pricing, but they are flexible and willing to adapt to new technology and new designs. We are very happy that we have beenable to help Mayflower find the right yard, the right designer and the right classification society to get this new offshore industry off to a good start."

Graig advised Mayflower on choice of yards, introduced Denmark's Knud E Hansen as the designer and DNV as a suitable class society, and assisted in yard negotiations. Graig's China-based supervision team will now oversee the building and delivery of thefirst vessel, which is due to enter service in February 2003.

"The UK government has plans which will require the installation of 1,300 new 2MW offshore turbines over the next ten years," says David Donnelly, Chairman of Mayflower Energy. "There are also plans for major installations around other European coasts. We expect demand for this type of specialist vessel to be very high, and we are happy that Graig has helped us to contract with a Chinese shipyard for the construction of this technologically advanced vessel to install the turbines."

The TIV-I vessels will be 130.5m overall, with a 38m beam, and will be equipped with six jack-up legs, a 300-tonne crane and a 50-tonne crane. Capable of carrying and installing ten turbines and housing a full engineering crew of up to fifty persons, thevessels will be powered by four 1.5 MW thrusters, giving a sea speed of 10.5kt.

To be flagged in the Isle of Man, the vessel will be classed DNV +1A1, self Elevating Units.