VESSEL REVIEW | Wind Whale – Modular cargo ship to transport components for Japanese offshore wind farms

Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has taken delivery of a new deck cargo ship built by Taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering of China.

Wind Whale is owned jointly by MOL and its dry bulk shipping arm MOL Drybulk while operation will be the responsibility of MOL Coastal Shipping. The vessel will be used primarily for the transport of components of offshore wind turbine foundations.

Following delivery, the vessel will engage in the coastal transport of offshore wind turbine foundations from JFE Engineering's manufacturing base in Kasaoka-shi, Okayama Prefecture, to offshore wind turbine construction sites in Japan.

Purpose-built for transport of turbine components

The NK-classed Wind Whale has an LOA of 149.9 metres (491.8 feet), a moulded beam of 30 metres (100 feet), a maximum draught of 5.85 metres (19.2 feet), a moulded depth of 8.72 metres (28.6 feet), a deadweight of 12,709, and a gross tonnage of 9,920. The electric propulsion system consists of two ABB 2,500kW motors, two propellers, batteries, and five AC and two DC generators.

The ship has a flat deck so that she can directly load wind turbine components such as monopiles, towers, blades, nacelles, and floating foundations, from the stern and sides of the vessel using multi-axle trucks and other methods. The superstructure has been placed near the bow to provide unobstructed forward visibility for the bridge crew when navigating.

Fitted with modern systems to ensure safer cargo transfers

The vessel is equipped with a dynamic positioning system and will offer higher weather resistance compared to non-self-propelled barges, providing direct delivery of cargo to self-elevating platforms at offshore wind power construction sites.

The bridge also offers improved rearward visibility to enable the crew to directly oversee loading and unloading operations on the aft deck, thus enhancing safety. The wheelhouse electronics meanwhile include a JRC radar and satellite communications gear from Intellian and Inmarsat.

The ship’s tank capacities are 1,038 cubic metres (228,300 gallons) for fuel oil and 172 cubic metres (37,800 gallons) for freshwater.