Fred. Olsen Windcarrier prepares for next generation turbines with a 1600t crane

“With this new crane, we are gearing up for the next generation of offshore wind turbines. After installing more than 600 offshore turbines, we continue to set our sights higher and higher, knowing that our clients need a partner who can support them in establishing tomorrow’s offshore wind gigaparks,” says Even Larsen, CEO Fred. Olsen Ocean.

With its upgraded crane and improvements to stability, the vessel will be capable of installing foundations up to 1500t and handling all known next generation turbines.

“This unique crane has been enhanced with an even more extreme boom and outreach capacity. The crane allows us to stow the wind turbine components in a more flexible way despite the increased crane weight, thus maintaining or exceeding the payload we carry for our clients. Furthermore, blades can be installed with the faster auxiliary hook and in higher wind speeds. All together this is a considerable lifetime extension for the vessel, as the weight and dimensions of wind turbine components continues to increase,” says Managing Director Alexandra Koefoed, Fred. Olsen Windcarrier.

Key performance of the new crane:

• Aux hook 400t @165m above deck (140m boom)
• 1250t@38.5m @155m above deck (140m boom)
• 1600t@32m (105m boom)
• Boom configuration can be changed in less than a week

The new 1600t LEC 65500 crane will be supplied by Huisman. “The compact size of the new crane in combination with its low own weight and high lifting capacity make the crane unique and suitable for both the installation of foundations and next generation wind turbines. Over the last years we have established a unique working relationship with Fred. Olsen Windcarrier and this is a great example of two leading companies working together and combining their knowledge and experience in the field of cranes and installation,” says Jan Atle Andresen, Regional Director, Huisman Norge AS.

Key facts about the new crane:

• A unique Huisman 1600t LEC 65500
• The new crane will be top of market for reliability and redundancy with its proven and enhanced design
• Additional speed packages provide a very high operational speed
• The Lambda shaped boom is very stiff giving reduced motions at the crane tip
• The crane is fully electrically driven resulting in reduced maintenance and higher reliability
• The crane is more environmentally friendly with less power consumption, no oil leakage and a lower noise level
• Catchers on all blocks/hooks minimise time spent on stowing
• Small tail swing allows for optimised utilisation of free deck space

Read more about the new crane here.