Dutch marine services company Boskalis has unveiled the Windpiper, touted as the world’s largest subsea rock installation (SRI) vessel, after an extensive 18-month conversion. The 227-meter-long, 40-meter-wide vessel was officially named on July 3 by Ms. Jones-Bos from the Boskalis Supervisory Board.
With a rock cargo capacity of 45,500 tons across two holds, the Windpiper will significantly enhance Boskalis’ rock installation capabilities. This large capacity is designed for projects with long transport distances, particularly along the North American East Coast, the Baltic Sea, and the Southern North Sea. The vessel aims to minimize emissions and costs by reducing the number of necessary trips.
Equipped with over 31,000 kW of power, seven thrusters, and DP2 certification, the Windpiper offers accommodations for more than 100 crew members. It features specialized equipment for subsea rock installation, including a moonpool for fall pipe installation and an inclined fall pipe to protect offshore structures like wind turbine foundations.
Boskalis plans to deploy the Windpiper for offshore wind projects, with initial operations scheduled in Northwest Europe. The vessel’s conversion was conducted under the company’s supervision, marking a significant advancement in marine service capabilities.
Share it now
