DEME’s Next Generation Installation Vessel Launched in China
In a spectacular ceremony DEME’s next generation new offshore installation vessel Orion was successfully launched at the COSCO Qidong shipyard in China on 21 November. Orion will feature an unrivalled combination of exceptionally high transport and load capacity, impressive lifting heights and green technology.
The launching marks a major milestone in the construction of this next generation vessel, which is progressing at the COSCO shipyard according to schedule. Orion will be deployed for the construction of the largest offshore wind farms, to service the oil and gas industry and for the decommissioning of offshore installations. With a total installed capacity of 44,180 kW, ‘Orion’ will be equipped with a high-tech Liebherr crane with a lifting capacity of 5,000t and can hoist heavy loads at an exceptional radius. The loads can be lifted to an unrivalled height of more than 170m.
The deck space and deadweight has been maximised to provide an exceptionally high transport and load capacity. Orion can take the heaviest monopiles, jackets, wind turbine components and structures in a single shipment, and can transport and install the next generation of multi-megawatt wind turbines.
Environmental considerations are also an important element of the vessel design. ‘Orion’ has dual fuel engines and can run on liquefied natural gas (LNG). It will have a Green Passport and Clean Design notation. This unique vessel will also have other environmental innovations on board, such as a waste heat recovery system that converts heat from the exhaust gases and cooling water to electrical energy. The evaporation of LNG will cool the accommodation with a cold recovery system.
At 216.5m long, Orion features DP3 capability. She is expected to join the fleet at the end of 2019.