Dutch and Norwegians cashing in on wind and cable ship boom

The maritime industry is witnessing significant advancements as companies innovate to meet the growing demands of the wind energy sector. In 2024, Concordia Damen, a Dutch shipbuilding group, marked a milestone by reaching the halfway point in the design and construction of two state-of-the-art roll-on/roll-off (Ro/Ro) wind turbine carriers. These vessels, named Rotra Futura and Rotra Horizon, are being built for Amasus, another Dutch firm. The first of these sister ships is expected to be delivered later this year, showcasing the rapid progress in maritime engineering.

Innovative Design and Features of the Rotra Vessels

The Rotra Futura and Rotra Horizon are being constructed at the Jiangsu Zhenjiang Shipyard in China. The design of these vessels builds upon the successful Rotra Mare and Rotra Vente, which have been operational since 2016. The new vessels are specifically designed to accommodate the latest generation of larger and heavier wind turbine components. This is crucial as the wind energy sector continues to evolve and requires more sophisticated logistics solutions.

One of the standout features of the Rotra vessels is their advanced cargo ramp system, complemented by three Liebherr cranes. This setup allows for the stowage of turbine blades in three tiers, offering enhanced flexibility in loading and unloading operations. The hull design is both aerodynamic and hydro-optimized, which, along with a low-resistance coating, is expected to significantly reduce fuel consumption. The main propulsion system, based on Wartsila technology, is engineered to consume 15% less fuel and produce a smaller carbon footprint compared to existing standards. This commitment to sustainability aligns with the industry’s broader goals of reducing emissions and promoting eco-friendly practices.

The Rise of Cable-Laying Vessels and Their Impact

In addition to the advancements in Ro/Ro carriers, the maritime industry is also focusing on cable-laying vessels (CLVs). Salt Ship Design has been selected to design the world’s largest cable-laying vessel for Penta-Ocean, a Japanese company. This vessel will support the burgeoning offshore wind market in Japan and is set for delivery in early 2028. It will be equipped to handle cable laying and burial for both bottom-fixed and floating offshore wind farms, as well as submarine direct current transmission cables.

The design includes two 5,000-ton cable carousels, allowing for a total capacity of 10,000 tons, which is essential for large-scale wind farms. Advanced trenching and cable burial systems will utilize the latest technology from SMD (UK), ensuring efficient operations. The vessel will also feature a high-precision dynamic positioning system, enhancing its operational capabilities. As the demand for offshore wind energy grows, the role of specialized vessels like these becomes increasingly vital in ensuring the successful deployment of wind energy infrastructure.

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Transformations in Existing Vessels for New Purposes

The maritime industry is not only focused on building new vessels but also on converting existing ones for new roles. Vard, a shipbuilder in Norway, has recently delivered the IT Infinity, a converted cable-layer for the telecommunications sector. Originally built as a platform supply vessel, the IT Infinity underwent significant modifications to meet its new operational requirements. This transformation included adding accommodations for 32 crew members and integrating advanced cable-laying equipment.

The conversion process involved substantial structural changes, including the installation of a 60-ton A-frame and various cable handling systems. The ship’s station-keeping capabilities were also upgraded to a fully operational dynamic positioning system, enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness in cable laying operations. This trend of converting existing vessels reflects the industry’s adaptability and commitment to sustainability, as it seeks to maximize the utility of current assets while minimizing environmental impact.