GustoMSC has revealed a new Jones Act-compliant jack-up vessel design for the installation of wind turbines and foundations in the U.S. The SEA-3250-LT installation jack-up is capable of handling the latest generation of 8 to 9.5 MW turbines and foundations.
In the case of foundations exceeding the capabilities of this crane, the unit can serve as a Jones Act-compliant feeder solution to a larger foreign vessel, GustoMSC explained.
The design comprises an 882 sht (800 mt) pedestal crane, fitted with a boom of approx. 328 ft (100 m), and the company’s hydraulic “Pin in Hole” jacking system enabling large number of jacking moves required for offshore wind turbine installation.
Furthermore, the SEA-3250-LT utilises a lightweight hull construction in order to maximise variable load capacity. The vessel can carry one to two of the largest turbines while under way to the installation site, Gusto MSC said.
The company also pointed out that the jack-up can be upgraded with a full accommodation block and its own propulsion, and that it can be built at a competitive price.
The SEA-3250-LT is a dedicated low CAPEX wind turbine installation solution for the emerging US offshore wind market. It’s a rationalized jack-up design, peeled down to the essence of safe and efficient wind installation. Additional features, such as large accommodation and own propulsion that increase construction costs, weight and construction time, have been omitted.
The relatively simple and straightforward design can be adopted by multiple US ship yards without big risks, and can therefore be built Jones Act compliant at a competitive price. This non-propelled design meets the required technical capabilities for wind turbine installation in the US for a minimum investment, thus reducing investment risk in this developing market.
GustoMSC stated that the vessel is designed to operate in the typical environmental conditions of the U.S. North-East coast and in water depths of up to 148 ft (45 m).