The largest submerged rock installation vessel in the world, the "Windpiper," is unveiled by Boskalis

Posted on Jan 07, 2025 at 09:01 PM

Royal Boskalis B.V. (Boskalis) has added a new subsea rock installation (SRI) vessel, the “Windpiper,” to its fleet. This new vessel will have a gigantic cargo capacity of 45,000 metric tonnes, making it the largest in the business.

Moreover, Boskalis will become the biggest participant in this market with the “Windpiper” launch, which will double its SRI capacity and incorporate three of its current boats.

Windpiper: Revolutionising Offshore Wind Energy 

With its primary purpose of supporting offshore wind energy projects to aid in the worldwide energy transition, the “Windpiper” is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2026.

In addition, the ship's initial deployments will be in Northwest Europe.

Under Boskalis' direction, an existing vessel is being converted to create the “Windpiper.” It will have a total installed capacity of more than 31,000 kW and be 227 meters long by 40 meters wide.

Besides, the ship will include cutting-edge technology, such as an inclined fall pipe and a moonpool, which are crucial for safeguarding offshore wind turbine foundations and other maritime infrastructure.

Remarkably, the best Maritime Training Online courses provide critical instruction on professional skill development and handle the industry's complex difficulties today for anyone looking to broaden their knowledge in this subject.

Further, with its seven thrusters and DP2 certification, it will be able to operate precisely in difficult offshore circumstances.

Future-Suring Marine Facilities 

Projects needing extensive transit lengths between rock loading facilities and project sites, such as the North American East Coast, the Baltic Sea, and the Southern North Sea, are appropriate for the vessel's vast capacity, which is split into two holds.

The big capacity lowers emissions and installation costs by reducing the number of trips required.

Additionally, the ship will offer cosy lodgings for personnel and customer representatives in more than 100 single-occupancy rooms.

Furthermore, Boskalis has a solid track record of repurposing older ships, a sustainable strategy that shortens building schedules and increases hull longevity.

As a world leader in dredging, marine infrastructure, and services, the firm provides solutions to address problems including rising sea levels, climate change, and the increasing need for renewable energy.

Ultimately, coastal protection, land reclamation, offshore wind infrastructure, and port expansion are some of its main endeavours.

Read more news:

Tokei Kaiun's Bulk Carrier Becomes The First Certified Hydroponic Vegetable Grower at Sea

SWITCH Maritime will construct the first RoPax ferry in the US Using liquid hydrogen

A French Chocolate Company Will Introduce an Eco-Friendly 200-TEU Cargo Ship by 2027