Dajin Heavy Industry has selected the ULSTEIN HX122 design for a new offshore installation vessel as it expands its activities from offshore wind foundation manufacturing, logistics and transportation into installation.
Netherlands-based Ulstein Design & Solutions B.V. is responsible for the vessel design. The new vessel is intended to install monopiles, jacket foundations and offshore substations, with the capability to handle future 4XL monopiles.
The ULSTEIN HX122 features a large working deck, lifting capabilities and dynamic positioning, combined with Ulstein’s U-STERN and X-BOW hull solutions.
The U-STERN configuration enables monopiles to be stored lengthwise and raised to a vertical position along the vessel’s centreline at the stern. This allows installation operations to be carried out with the vessel heading into prevailing seas.
Together with the X-BOW hull concept, the configuration is designed to reduce vessel motions and improve operability in demanding offshore conditions. It is also intended to increase the weather window available for installation campaigns.
Although primarily designed for offshore wind operations, the vessel can also undertake construction and decommissioning work in the oil and gas sector.
For Dajin Heavy Industry, the vessel is intended to add offshore installation to its existing foundation supply activities. The company plans to combine manufacturing, transportation and installation within its offering to reduce the number of interfaces between different parties during project execution.
Dajin vice-president Feng Qi said increasing project sizes were putting greater pressure on available offshore wind installation capacity. The HX122 project is intended to extend the company’s role in foundation delivery into offshore installation.
The project also establishes a new customer relationship between Dajin Heavy Industry and Ulstein Design & Solutions B.V. Managing director Edwin van Leeuwen said Ulstein’s vessel design experience is expected to complement Dajin’s existing activities in the offshore wind supply chain.
