Floating Wind Farm Construction Vessel Secures Major Crane Order

In a significant development for the burgeoning floating offshore wind industry, MacGregor has secured a major order to supply a 400-tonne Active Heave Compensated (AHC) subsea crane for a new 127-meter Floating Wind Farm Construction Vessel (FWCV). According to Hellenic Shipping News, the new vessel is a 'new-generation' FWCV that has been purpose-built to support the rapidly expanding floating offshore wind market. The large AHC crane from MacGregor will be a critical piece of equipment, enabling the vessel to safely and efficiently handle heavy subsea components required for floating wind farm construction and installation. 'This order represents a milestone for the floating offshore wind industry and demonstrates the continued technological advancements being made to support this growing sector,' said an industry analyst. 'As floating wind farms move further offshore into deeper waters, specialized vessels with heavy-lift capabilities will be essential.' The new FWCV is expected to be delivered in the coming years to support the pipeline of floating wind projects, particularly in Europe where countries like the UK, Norway, and Spain are leading the charge. Analysts project the global floating offshore wind market could reach over 16 GW of installed capacity by 2030, up from just 0.1 GW currently. 'This contract with MacGregor is a significant win that positions our new vessel at the forefront of floating wind farm construction,' said the vessel owner. 'The crane's advanced capabilities will be a key enabler as we work to support the industry's ambitious growth plans in the years ahead.'