Installing wind turbines offshore requires a robust vessel capable of transporting, maneuvering and precisely installing foundation materials for offshore wind farms and turbines of all types and sizes. To fully exploit operational weather conditions in offshore environments, eight high-performance, energy-efficient Azipod® CO compact propulsion systems have been installed on Pacific Orca and Pacific Osprey, the world’s largest wind farm installation vessels (WIV), both managed by Swire Blue Ocean A/S.
ABB’s compact marine propulsion system, Azipod CO, saves space onboard the vessel for more efficient ship design and equipment placement, key considerations for “jack-up” WIVs like the Pacific Orca. Azipods help to improve maneuverability and can reduce a vessel’s fuel consumption considerably.
The Azipods delivered to the Samsung Shipyard propels the 161 meter-long vessels (49 meter beam) at speeds in excess of 13 knots, while carrying up to twelve 3.6 MW turbines. The Azipods enable the ship to be maneuvered very precisely, allowing the vessel to be raised up on six sets of truss legs in waters up to 75 meters deep.