Revolutionizing the renewable energy sector, Taiwan proudly launched its first domestically crafted wind turbine installation vessel, the Green Jade. This high-capacity vessel is aligned with the green initiatives that the industry is moving towards and sets new standards for sustainability and effectiveness. Designed to carry the next generation of large wind turbines, its strategic capabilities make it efficient and economical, addressing the evolving trends in the sector.
The Sail of Green Jade: A Voyage to Taiwan’s Renewable Future
On June 30, Green Jade was officially unveiled at the CSBC shipyard in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, setting the mark of the country’s efforts in embracing the potential of the offshore wind industry. CSBC-DEME Wind Engineering owns the vessel, a collaboration formed in 2019 between CSBC and Belgium’s offshore company DEME. The union was strategically established to extract insights from Europe’s thriving wind energy industry and help Taiwan cultivate its local wind energy sector.
Since commissioning its first offshore wind farm in 2019, Taiwan now boasts four operating wind farms. The largest of these facilities, developed by Ørsted, has the potential capacity of generating an impressive 900 MW.
Green Jade: A Testament to Pioneering Engineering and Resilience
Green Jade’s design echoes DEME’s Orion, another giant within the realm of specialized offshore wind installation vessels. Embarking on the construction in 2019, Green Jade’s design was challenged by many hurdles before its unveiling. Delayed by over seven months than originally anticipated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the building process faced obstacles like obtaining raw materials amidst price flares, working around European regulations, tackling technical difficulties, and dealing with manpower shortages. However, the vessel emerged triumphant, overcoming these obstacles to stand out as one of the most sophisticated wind-power crane ships ever built.
Not Just a Ship, A Green Revolution
Boasting a bulk of approximately 60,000 DWT, the 710 feet long vessel is not just the most expensive commercial ship in Taiwan’s history; it’s the poster child for a cleaner, greener future. Green Jade’s design allows it to transport multiple jackets and foundations in a single trip, maximizing its deck space to haul the heaviest monopolies and wind turbine components. Its deck spans a massive 8,200 square meters, facilitating large cargo without compromising space.
Moreover, the vessel is equipped with a 4,000-ton crane and a robust lift capability, making it a highly functional and effective piece of machinery. Aligned with sustainable initiatives, the ship runs on dual-fuel engines and houses a waste heat recovery system, converting by-products like exhaust gases and cooling water into electrical energy.
A Vision for a Sustainable Horizon
As it prepares to sail in July, Green Jade will embark on her maiden voyage, installing jacket foundations at the 298 MW Zhong Neng project located in the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwan Strait project is the tip of the iceberg, with an even larger project to follow, viewed as a pivotal step for Taiwan’s quest to harness offshore wind power.
In the pipeline is the mammoth Hai Long wind farms project, designed to install 73 wind turbines with the potential combined power of 1,044 MW. This project slated approximately 25 to 30 miles off the Taiwan coast, serves as a testament to Taiwan’s ambitions for a robust renewable energy sector. The dynamic Green Jade vessel, besides setting high standards in Taiwan, is also expected to be available for projects across neighboring Southeast Asian countries, paving the path for Taiwan’s leadership in regional renewable energy efforts.
