Boskalis announces new 45,500 MT subsea rock installation vessel
Papendrecht, 06 January 2025
Royal Boskalis B.V. (Boskalis) is excited to announce the latest addition to its versatile fleet: a groundbreaking subsea rock installation (SRI) vessel with a cargo capacity of 45,500 metric tons. This state-of-the-art vessel will stand as the largest SRI vessel in the industry, significantly bolstering Boskalis’ position in this specialized niche market, which currently includes three existing SRI vessels. With the introduction of the ‘Windpiper,’ Boskalis will effectively double its capacity and thereby becomes the largest player in the industry. Scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2026, the ‘Windpiper’ is set to play an important role in facilitating the energy transition working on offshore wind projects. Her first projects are expected to be located in Northwest Europe.
The innovative ‘Windpiper’ is being developed by converting an existing new vessel under the expert supervision of Boskalis. With impressive dimensions of 227 meters in length and 40 meters in breadth, the powerful vessel boasts a total installed power exceeding 31,000 kW. In addition to its moonpool for the fall pipe installation, the vessel will feature an inclined fall pipe, crucial for the protection of offshore structures such as the foundations of offshore wind turbines. Equipped with seven thrusters and DP2 certification, the ‘Windpiper’ is specifically designed for optimal performance in challenging offshore conditions.
The vessel’s substantial capacity, divided over two holds, makes it well-suited for projects with a long transit distance between the rock loading facilities and the project site, such as those along the North American East Coast, the Baltic Sea and the Southern North Sea. This large capacity minimizes the number of round trips required, ultimately leading to less emissions and lower costs per installed volume of rock. Additionally, with over hundred single-occupancy cabins, the vessel can comfortably accommodate client representatives alongside the onboard crew.
Boskalis has a strong track record in converting existing vessels to serve additional and/or new purposes. This sustainable approach not only extends the useful life of existing hulls but also offers significant advantages regarding the vessels’ time to market. The cutting-edge design and capabilities of the ‘Windpiper’ will enable Boskalis to meet the increasing demands of its clients while upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Martijn L.D. Schuttevâer
press@boskalis.com
T +31 786969310
Boskalis is a leading global services provider operating in the dredging, maritime infrastructure and maritime services sectors. The company provides creative and innovative all-round solutions to infrastructural challenges in the maritime, coastal and delta regions of the world. With core activities such as coastal defense, riverbank protection and land reclamation Boskalis is able to provide adaptive and mitigating solutions to combat the effects of climate change, such as extreme weather conditions and rising sea levels, as well as delivering solutions for the increasing need for space in coastal and delta regions across the world. The company facilitates the development of offshore energy infrastructure, including renewable wind energy. Boskalis is furthermore active in the construction and maintenance of ports, waterways, access channels and civil infrastructure, thus helping to facilitate trade flows and regional socio-economic development. In addition, Boskalis is a global marine salvage expert and provides terminal services at various locations worldwide. With a versatile fleet of more than 500 vessels and floating equipment and over 11,000 employees, Boskalis is creating new horizons around the world.
This press release can also be found on our website www.boskalis.com.
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Artist impression 'Windpiper'
Artist impression 'Windpiper'
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