The increase in offshore activities means a lot of new work for the repair and conversion industry – and Shipdock is busily improving its position in this market: most recently with the lengthening of the GMS Endeavour’s four massive ‘legs’.
New orders are streaming in at Shipdock Amsterdam from the rapidly growing offshore wind energy activities on the Dutch and British North Sea shelf. Serious financial and political support from the two countries make it possible to develop new wind turbine parks in deeper waters. The offshore wind industry has to keep up with continually improving technology; 5 MW turbines have become commonplace, so offshore vessels and jack-up barges need to be equipped to install them at sea.
The current tendency to position in deeper waters and the forthcoming development of larger turbines (up to 10 MW) means that these support vessels need constant upgrades; with heavier cranes, more workspace on deck, heavier piling and hammering equipment – and longer legs to stand on.
[mappress]
Press Release, December 17, 2012