Penta-Ocean Construction orders heavy lift vessel for wind farm construction

Penta-Ocean Construction (POC) has signed a shipbuilding contract with Singapore's Seatrium for the construction of a heavy lift vessel to be utilised for the installation of offshore wind turbine foundations.

The 5,000-tonne fully revolving heavy lift ship project for the Japanese offshore wind market will be the fifth and largest vessel to be added to POC’s fleet, enabling it to undertake larger wind turbine projects in offshore wind construction.

POC said it has a keen interest in expanding its business in the offshore wind sector. POC owns a range of self-propelling trailing suction hopper and cutter

The ship will feature a unique, U-shaped notch at the stern designed to upend a monopile being stored lengthwise on the vessel using a 5,000-tonne lifting crane and the upending system with a gripper, which will enable installation directly at the notch.

As the installation is performed at the stern, the ship's hull will shield its operation from waves and currents, thereby minimising ship motions.

Ulstein Design and Solutions will be in charge of the hull design.