Installation jackup undergoes sea trials following crane mishap at Spanish shipyard

A self-elevating wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) recently underwent sea trials in Spain's Galicia region after it became involved in a crane strike at a local shipyard late last month.

Brave Tern, a 2012-built WTIV operated by Fred Olsen Windcarrier, sailed in Galicia's Ferrol Estuary for the trials on Saturday, November 30, seven days after it accidentally struck a mobile quayside crane at the facilities of Spanish shipbuilder Navantia.

The 25-tonne crane had fallen onto a nearby barge, though its cab and base remained above the water. No injuries have been reported.

The incident occurred as Brave Tern was departing the shipyard following the installation of a new 1,600-tonne crane on its deck as part of a scheduled upgrade. The WTIV then returned to the pier at Navantia, where it remained for the next few days as investigators worked to determine the events leading to the collision.

A Navantia executive told local newspaper La Voz de Galicia that the incident was the result of a manoeuvring error and that environmental factors were not to blame.

Plans regarding the repair of the toppled crane have not yet been disclosed.