OHT has entered into the offshore wind turbine generator (WTG) installation sector, having entered into a binding heads of agreement with China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) in Jiangsu, China for the construction of two WTG installation vessels with options for a further two units, through its wholly owned subsidiary VIND Offshore Installation.

The vessels will be jack-ups of GustoMSC design and will be prepared to handle the next generation WTGs, featuring a telescopic crane with maximum capacity of 2,500t and a maximum lifting height of approximately 165m.

The units will be capable of efficiently installing in water depths up to 65 meters. Special emphasis has been placed on providing a class-leading environmental footprint by way of energy and heat recovery, battery hybrid solutions as well as a sophisticated electrical and control system, reducing CO₂ emissions by 20% compared to similar units.

As a future option, the vessels have been prepared for fuel cells powered by hydrogen to be installed to cut emissions even further.

The first unit will be delivered in early 2023. The delivery structure for the second unit is flexible.

“Through this initiative, OHT firmly establishes its position as a leading, fully integrated Transport and Installation (T&I) company for offshore wind. In doing so, we are responding to client concerns about the lack of capable vessel capacity in the booming offshore wind market. We hear them applauding the development of a capability by a single company to handle the T&I of next generation foundations and turbines.”
Torgeir E. Ramstad, CEO for OHT.

The venture is based on a concept and business model initially developed by VIND Offshore Installation and its founder Rune Magnus Lundetræ.

“OHT already has the organization, systems, track record and market presence required to successfully deliver and execute this initiative. We look forward to our involvement in the world’s first integrated pure-play T&I company in the offshore wind segment with interesting triggers for further growth, including expansion of the Alfa Lift series of foundation vessels and possibly more jack-ups through exercising the options.”.
Rune Magnus Lundetræ.

With the addition of the two jack-up installation vessels, OHT further demonstrates its commitment to offshore wind.