Allseas Expands Fleet with New Heavy Transport Vessel
Allseas, a leading offshore contractor, has secured a significant construction contract with Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) for a state-of-the-art semi-submersible heavy transport vessel (HTV). Named Grand Tour, this vessel is set to enhance Allseas’ fleet capabilities and is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2028. With a remarkable load capacity of 40,000 tonnes, Grand Tour will facilitate the transportation of the largest offshore structures, ensuring a seamless transfer to Allseas’ flagship vessel, Pioneering Spirit, for installation.
Innovative Design and Strategic Role
The Grand Tour has been meticulously engineered to fit within the bow slot of the Pioneering Spirit, creating a streamlined connection between transport and installation processes. This integration is designed to provide clients with a comprehensive solution for transporting large structures that are fabricated far from their eventual installation sites. Allseas emphasizes that this capability will significantly enhance their service offerings, allowing for a ‘one-stop-shop’ approach to complex offshore projects.
In alignment with Europe’s energy transition goals, Grand Tour will play a pivotal role in executing TenneT’s ambitious 2GW offshore wind program. This initiative aims to deliver 28 gigawatts of clean offshore wind power to European homes and businesses by 2032. The vessel will transport large converter stations from fabrication yards located in Asia and Europe to installation sites in the Dutch and German North Sea, where the Pioneering Spirit will take over for the final installation phase.
Grand Tour boasts a semi-submersible hull with a 57-meter beam, enhancing stability and allowing for shallow-draft access. Its advanced ballast system can pump 24,000 cubic meters of water per hour, equivalent to the volume of ten Olympic swimming pools, ensuring safe and precise load transfers. Additionally, the vessel features a methanol-ready 24 MW propulsion system, with the potential to transition to e-Methanol, positioning Allseas competitively in the evolving energy market. An air lubrication system and podded propulsion further reduce drag and fuel consumption, making Grand Tour an environmentally friendly option.
Expanding Horizons Beyond Offshore Wind
Beyond its role in offshore wind projects, Grand Tour will enable Allseas to relocate its fleet assets and explore new floating cargo markets. This strategic investment not only expands the company’s operational capabilities but also opens up long-term opportunities across various sectors. Pieter Kambier, Project Director at Allseas, highlighted the significance of this addition, stating, “This addition to our fleet is more than an expansion – it’s a strategic investment that enhances our ability to deliver fully integrated Transport & Installation (T&I) solutions for some of the world’s most ambitious offshore energy projects.”
By maintaining control over both transport and installation processes, Allseas aims to reduce risks, streamline project schedules, and provide clients with unparalleled reliability in delivering complex offshore infrastructure. The Grand Tour is set to redefine the standards of heavy transport in the offshore energy sector, marking a new chapter in Allseas’ commitment to innovation and sustainability.
