Allseas Orders Semi-Sub Heavy Transport Vessel from Chinese Shipyard

Allseas, a leading offshore contractor, has secured a significant construction contract with Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China for a state-of-the-art semi-submersible heavy transport vessel (HTV). Named the Grand Tour, this vessel is set to enhance Allseas‘ operational capabilities and is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2028. With a remarkable load capacity of 40,000 tonnes, the Grand Tour will facilitate the transportation of the largest offshore structures, ensuring a seamless transfer to Allseas’ flagship vessel, the Pioneering Spirit, for installation.

Innovative Design for Enhanced Efficiency

The Grand Tour has been meticulously engineered to fit perfectly within the bow slot of the Pioneering Spirit, creating a streamlined process for transporting and installing large offshore structures. This innovative design allows Allseas to offer clients a comprehensive ‘one-stop-shop’ solution, effectively linking transport and installation services. As part of its commitment to supporting Europe’s energy transition, the 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 homes and businesses across Europe by 2032.

The vessel will be responsible for transporting large converter stations from fabrication yards located in Asia and Europe to installation sites in the Dutch and German North Sea. Once at the site, the Pioneering Spirit will take over for the single-lift installation of these structures. The Grand Tour features a semi-submersible hull with a 57-meter beam, which enhances stability and allows 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.

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Strategic Investment for Future Growth

Equipped with a methanol-ready 24 MW propulsion system, the Grand Tour is designed to adapt to the evolving energy market, with the option to transition to e-Methanol. Additionally, an air lubrication system beneath the hull, combined with podded propulsion, will significantly reduce drag and fuel consumption, enhancing operational efficiency. The vessel’s cargo deck, measuring 180 by 57 meters, is optimized for various loading and unloading methods, including direct skidding, roll-on/roll-off, and float-on/float-off operations.

Pieter Kambier, Project Director at Allseas, emphasized the strategic importance of this new addition to the fleet, stating, “This addition is more than just 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 keeping both transport and installation processes in-house, Allseas aims to minimize risks, streamline schedules, and provide clients with unparalleled reliability in delivering complex offshore infrastructure. Beyond offshore wind projects, the Grand Tour will also enable Allseas to relocate its fleet assets and explore new floating cargo markets, opening up long-term opportunities across various sectors.