The JV has already secured its first contract and begun work on behalf of MT Hojgaard, transporting and installing a total of 80, 165-tonne, 33m high wind turbine foundations for what will be the world's largest offshore windfarm, the Horns Rev windfarm, which is being built off the Danish coast. Operated by Elsam, this enormous windfarm will have a total capacity of 150MW.

Mammoet is a specialist in the heavy lift and transportation market, both onshore and offshore, and Van Oord ACZ is well known for dredging, offshore and marine construction work. Hovago Cranes is a leader in its field, and Marine Construct is a marine lifting business best known for its work in inshore and coastal waters.

The JV claims that its combined expertise will provide a 'turnkey' solution for the quick, safe and efficient construction of offshore windfarms. The Jumping Jack is 91m long, 33m wide and 7m high. Four legs, each 40m long, will lift the barge out of the water to keep the vessel steady on the seabed and create a stable working platform for the installation work.

The jack-up's reduced vulnerability to the adverse weather will reduce the risk of unnecessary delays, claims the JV, and an ingenious hydraulic winching system will allow the barge to raise and lower its legs while it has a load on deck - the barge can therefore move quickly from one wind turbine to another with the additional advantage that it can continue working in rough seas. The pontoon can carry various heavy loads (up to 4,000 tonnes).