VESSEL REVIEW | Haifeng 2001 – Chinese-built large crane ship enters service

Chinese shipbuilder Zhenhua Heavy Industry has delivered a new large crane vessel to China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) for operation by its CCCC Haifeng Wind Power business.

Haifeng 2001 has an LOA of 195 metres, a moulded beam of 46.9 metres, a draught of six metres, a moulded depth of 16 metres, a gross tonnage of 49,362, and a 9,000kW propulsion system that delivers a speed of 10 knots. The main offshore crane with a lifting capacity of 4,000 tonnes and a maximum lifting height of 120 metres in a fixed position, allowing installation works to be carried out in water depths of up to 100 metres. When operated in full rotary mode, the crane can lift up to 3,000 tonnes.

The vessel will be initially deployed on offshore wind farm construction projects. A DP2 and eight-point mooring systems will provide adequate omni-directional positioning, ensuring the safe executions of installation works even under Sea State Six conditions, wave heights of two metres, and current speeds of two knots. Offshore wind farm construction projects can therefore proceed with fewer delays that are otherwise caused by adverse weather and sea conditions.

Wind turbines of up to 10 MW capacity, monopiles, and other large components can be loaded, transported, and installed on a single voyage, though the vessel was also built to handle even larger 15MW and 20MW turbines once these become available in the future.

Haifeng 2001 is classed by China Classification Society.

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