New WTIV designed to install 20MW turbines

The Windsetter FO-146 WTIV is a mammoth, capable of carrying up to five 18MW or four 20MW WTG sets and towers – at this point the largest size of wind turbine being manufactured.

Indeed, WTIVs have struggled to keep up with the rapidly growing size of wind turbines, with the first generation delivered at the beginning of the decade already out of date and having to undergo extensive upgrades of cranes and decks to stay in the market, according to Research & Markets, the market analysis firm.

“The first generation of WTIVs had a short lifespan, which had previously discouraged vessel builders from investing in newbuilds,” it says.

“However, the impending shortage of WTIVs that can support the largest turbines currently available, along with the globalisation of the offshore wind market and the opening up of new markets in Taiwan, Japan and the US, has finally resulted in a surge of newbuild orders.”

The new FO-146 will have a water depth capacity of 80 metres and a 3,200-tonne SWL leg-encircling crane, which can install XXL foundations exceeding 3,000 tonnes, the company says.

OIM Wind intends to build at least two, director – Renewables at Friede & Goldman Todd Allen said.

Friede & Goldman began its business designing offshore drilling platforms and vessels and has expanded into the offshore wind market. The company is based in Texas, US, and OIM Wind is based in the Norwegian capital Oslo.