Huisman has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore for the delivery of a 2600-metric-tonne Leg Encircling Crane for OIM Wind’s BT-220IU Wind Installation Unit. The LOI includes the option for the delivery of a similar crane for a second installation unit.
In order to be deployed for offshore wind installation, the crane setup of the BT-220IU unit has been optimised. With its 140-metre long boom and 2600-mt lifting capacity, the new Leg Encircling Crane enables OIM Wind to install the next and future generation’s wind turbine generators and foundations safely and efficiently. In its highest position, the crane’s main hoist is capable of lifting the maximum load of 2600 mt with a hook height of approximately 165 metres above main deck level.
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For this project, Huisman will implement the same robust and proven technology on drive systems and slewing bearings as used for the Leg Encircling Cranes (LECs) that the company has delivered to the offshore wind market over the past years, e.g. to installation vessels Seajacks’ Scylla and Van Oord’s Aeolus. Huisman’s LECs are characterised by their lightweight, yet robust designs, with a high level of reliability, positioning accuracy and energy efficiency.
Production in China
The BT-220IU Wind Installation Unit has been designed by CIMC’s engineering office in Yantai, P.R. of China, and its subsidiary Bass Tech AB, Sweden, based on technical input and market knowledge from OIM Wind Ltd. The crane for the first unit will be built at the Huisman production facility in Xiamen, P.R. of China. Huisman will deploy its Skyhook Crane for the installation of the LEC along its quayside, scheduled for late 2022.
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‘Huisman is excited to build upon the relationship with CIMC and OIM to deliver this Leg Encircling Crane and support the development of sustainable offshore wind projects,’ says David Roodenburg, CEO at Huisman. ‘We have great respect for their entrepreneurship and are very proud to be participating in their ambitions for the future.’
Features of the Leg Encircling Crane
- A fully electrically driven system, resulting in high positioning accuracy, efficient energy use, reduced maintenance and high reliability.
- In-house developed slew bearing system, providing highly reliable and accurate positioning of the crane.
- A unique Lambda boom design ensuring a lightweight and stiff design.
- Stiff construction of the Lambda shaped boom leading to reduced motion at the crane tip.
- Small tail swing allowing for optimised utilisation of free deck space.
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