A 1200-ton self-elevating wind turbine installation vessel is delivered in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, on Dec 26. [Photo/ntjoy.com]
A 1200-ton wind turbine installation vessel developed by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co (ZPMC) was delivered to CCCC Third Harbor Engineering Co at ZPMC's production base in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, on Dec 26.
The self-elevating vessel was independently designed by ZPMC to transport and install offshore wind turbines. It was built within 13 months, quicker than any other such ship to be built in China.
The giant platform is 90 meters long and 40.8 m wide, with four 90-m spud legs and a 130-m crane. It is capable of carrying three wind turbines and piling construction at a water depth of 50 m.
The vessel also boasts some impressive technology. Its hydraulic pile-driver is by far the most advanced in China, with the largest diameter and highest level of precision.
It is also designed to withstand turbulent offshore weather, including 16-grade typhoons and five-meter-high waves.
The offshore wind power industry is currently booming in China, and Nantong is ramping up efforts to become a major force in the field.
China's first self-propelled offshore wind turbine installation vessel was recently completed by the Nantong Branch of China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) Shipping Group and began operating.
Nantong is also currently building Asia's largest offshore wind power plant, located in Rudong county. It will have an installed capacity of 400 megawatts.
