A Sail Towards Innovation
F&G has unveiled their much-anticipated FO-146. This vessel hails from the esteemed WindSetter Class Wind Turbine Installation Vessels (WTIVs) lineage. It amalgamates the cutting-edge technology with ingenious designs to cater to the continuous developments in the global offshore wind industry.
Derived from a joint venture between Friede & Goldman and OIM Wind, the envisioned FO-146 WTIV features incomparable efficiency, efficacy, and adaptability. Interestingly, it harbors an efficiently compact hull that comfortably houses either five sets of 18 MW or four sets of 20 MW Wind Turbine Generators, including their Full Height Towers on the principal deck.
Strength Meets Flexibility
The stellar vessel also boasts an impressive water depth capacity of 80 meters. A hi-tech 3200 mT SWL leg encircling crane augments its versatility, giving it the potential to install XXL foundations exceeding 3000 mT. Such characteristics truly highlight F&G’s commitment to innovative solutions that meet the ever-evolving needs of the offshore wind industry.
Robert Clague, P.E., VP -Engineering of Friede & Goldman joyously remarked, “The unveiling of FO-146 WTIV marks an exciting stride towards sustainable solutions in the offshore wind industry. Our cooperative efforts with OIM Wind have proven pivotal in bringing this revolutionary design to life, marrying our combined expertise to craft a vessel that redefines efficiency and performance standards.”
A Sustainable Maritime Milestone
Oddgeir Indrestrand, the Founder and Director of OIM Wind further commented, “The FO-146 WTIV epitomizes our dedication towards providing groundbreaking solutions in the offshore industry. Through our alliance with Friede & Goldman, we have materialized a vessel that not only serves the ‘future’ worldwide offshore wind market but also purportedly presents enhanced value for our clientele. We take pride in contributing to such a monumental accomplishment.”
A Bright Future
Indicatively, the FO-146 WTIV design has already spurred substantial interest within the industry. This has been evident in the numerous offshore tender solicitations that it has attracted in no time. Furthermore, F&G disclosed that there are plans in motion to construct at least two similar units to match the escalating demands in the U.S. and global offshore markets. Therefore, it is evident that FO-146 WTIV is poised for a promising future in propelling wind energy solutions to new horizons.
