Integrated Wind Solutions (IWS) announced its IWS Fleet subsidiary has taken delivery of the new commissioning service operations vessel (CSOV) IWS Skywalker from shipbuilder China Merchants Heavy Industries Haimen shipyard (CMHI Haimen shipyard).
The purpose-built IWS Skywalker is the first of a series of six identical sister vessels, with the remaining five vessels scheduled for delivery in 2024 and 2025.
Designed by Kongsberg Maritime, the vessel has an overall length of 90 meters, a beam of 19.6 meters, and a design speed of 13 knots, which allows it to provide transshipment for 120 people and support for more than 30 days of offshore living and operations. With diesel-electric propulsion and DC busbar distribution system, the vessel has excellent berthing and maneuvering performance, enabling efficient storage and transportation of wind farm equipment and spare parts.
It is equipped with helideck, workboat (sub boat) and transom CTV connecting platform for high efficiency of personnel transportation and deployment. It is also equipped with DP2 power positioning system, 3D wave compensated transfer gangway and 3D wave compensated main crane, which can realize personnel transfer and wind farm maintenance operation under severe sea conditions, and the safety performance and working efficiency are much higher than those of similar vessels.
The hybrid-powered vessels will be among the first vessels in the industry capable of zero-emission operations. IWS noted the vessels have several “industry firsts”, such as the largest battery packs in the industry with solar panels for additional charging, and a novel hull and propulsion design that increases operability and reduces emissions. The vessels are the first in the industry to have the “DNV SILENT” notation, which focuses on minimizing the impact on marine life below water.
After transit to Europe, the vessel will commence the first out of three charter contracts at the world’s largest offshore wind farm—Dogger Bank, in the U.S.—in the first quarter of 2024.