China: COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers has completed the transport and float-over installation of an offshore converter platform for the Qingzhou V & VII offshore wind project.
The installation marks a key milestone in what COSCO described as the world’s first 2 GW offshore high voltage direct current transmission system.
The converter platform weighs around 25,000 t and is among the largest offshore structures installed for the offshore wind industry. COSCO provided an integrated heavy transport and offshore installation solution for the project.
The operation was carried out using the DP2-class, 65,000-deadweight-tonne semi-submersible vessel Xiang Tai Kou. The vessel is designed to operate both as a heavy transport carrier and as an offshore installation vessel.
According to COSCO, the vessel’s dynamic positioning and advanced ballasting systems supported accurate positioning and controlled submergence during the float-over installation. The company said the project required precise coordination and real-time control throughout the transport and installation stages.
Once fully commissioned, the Qingzhou V & VII offshore wind project is expected to generate around 7.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. This is enough to supply more than one million households. The project is also expected to reduce carbon emissions by about 6.3 million tonnes annually.
COSCO said the successful installation shows the capability of Xiang Tai Kou to support next-generation offshore infrastructure, including HVDC converter stations, oil and gas topsides and other large offshore energy assets.
The company also said a new 70,000-t-class semi-submersible vessel is under construction to support larger and more complex offshore installation projects.
Source: Offshore Engineer
