'Groenewind' named in home Port Oostende
Groenewind, new maintenance vessel for wind turbines, named in Home Port Oostende
Belgian Federal Minister of Energy names DEME's 'Groenewind' in Port Oostende, heralding a new era in offshore wind maintenance
A special naming ceremony was held for the world’s first DP2, twin-hulled Service Operation Vessel ‘Groenewind’ on Friday, June 25. The Belgian Federal Minister of Energy, Tinne Van der Straeten is the godmother of this unique vessel and she smoothly smashed the champagne bottle down on the hull, heralding a new era in offshore wind farm maintenance.
After its official naming ceremony, ‘Groenewind’ will be brought into action to maintain the Belgian offshore wind farms Rentel and SeaMade. This will be done by the maintenance technicians of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE).
About the ship: improving safety, comfort and workability
Improving safety, comfort and workability, the 60 m, Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) SOV is equipped with a motion compensated gangway to guarantee the safe transfer of the maintenance technicians to the turbines, even in significant wave heights of up to 2.5 m.
The SWATH design ensures low wave impact on movements when approaching wind turbines. ‘Groenewind’ has a capacity for 24 technicians and a nautical crew. Its DP2 technology means that the vessel can hold its position in rough seas but at the same time operate with lower fuel consumption. An impressive fuel consumption reduction of up to 50% can be achieved compared to a monohull SOV. The vessel also has a waste heat recovery system. The combination of these new technologies ensures a win-win for the environment and lower maintenance costs of wind farms.
“With offshore wind we prove that you can be big even if you are a small country. Worldwide, Belgium is number five in the offshore wind sector and our companies are pioneers with their expertise and technological innovation. 'Groenewind', the new maintenance vessel for our Belgian wind turbines, is an example of this, and it is therefore an honour to be the godmother. In the coming years we will further develop the potential of the North Sea with an energy island, among other things. In just a few years, wind energy has become the cheapest form of electricity production, thanks in part to the expertise and passion of our Belgian companies.”
"Ostend is the cradle of our wind farms and the expertise and knowledge centre for blue energy. With the naming of ‘Groenewind', a new wind is blowing through the landscape of our wind farms. The brand new ship is a piece of advanced technology. ‘Groenewind' will thus become a familiar sight in Port Oostende.
"The maintenance of wind farms at sea is a long-term story. The international players here provide permanent employment in an innovative sector."
"The arrival of 'Groenewind' proves that Port Oostende is further committed to anchoring the Blue Economy in Ostend."
About Port Oostende
The Port of Oostende focuses on continuity, growth and employment based on five pillars: Blue Economy, Bulk & Project Cargo, Cruises & Roll-on roll off, Circular Industry and the Fishing Industry. These sectors will be further developed with two principles in mind: prioritizing safety, health and the environment and, secondly, supporting innovation and development.
About DEME
DEME is a world leader in the specialized fields of dredging, solutions for the offshore energy industry, infra-marine and environmental works. The company can build on more than 140 years of know-how and is at the forefront of innovation and new technologies.
DEME's vision is to work towards a sustainable future by providing solutions to global challenges: rising sea levels, a growing population, reduced CO2 emissions, polluted rivers and soils and the scarcity of natural resources.