ABB Partners with GSI to Deliver Power Package for Allseas’ Grand Tour Vessel
ABB has recently secured a significant contract with Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) aimed at supplying a comprehensive power and propulsion package for Allseas’ latest semi-submersible heavy transport vessel, Grand Tour. Scheduled for delivery in 2028, this 230-meter vessel represents a key development in maritime engineering specifically designed for the transport of offshore converter stations.
The Grand Tour Vessel: Specifications and Capabilities
The Grand Tour is engineered to carry loads of up to 40,000 tons on its stern deck. A remarkable feature of this vessel is its ability to lower its main deck below the waterline, facilitating the loading of large converter stations. Once loaded, these stations will be transferred to Allseas’ existing vessel, Pioneering Spirit, for subsequent offshore installation. This innovative design not only enhances the logistical efficiency of offshore operations but also underscores Allseas’ commitment to supporting renewable energy projects.
ABB’s Power and Propulsion Package
Under the contract with GSI, ABB will deliver four 3.5 MW Azipod propulsion units. These units are pivotal for providing the necessary thrust for both bollard-pull and dynamic positioning (DP) operations. The Azipod units are particularly noteworthy due to their electrically driven systems, which can rotate a full 360 degrees. This flexibility will enable the Grand Tour to accurately maneuver alongside Pioneering Spirit, ensuring stable load-transfer operations.
In addition to the propulsion units, the power package includes a medium-voltage AC power plant configured in a closed-ring setup, along with ABB’s PEMS (Power and Energy Management System). Key safety features such as a power plant protection system and remote condition-monitoring capabilities further enhance the operational reliability of the vessel. ABB’s commitment to efficiency is evident, as the Azipod units will be optimized with nozzles tailored for enhanced performance during transit.
Supporting TenneT’s Offshore Wind Initiative
Allseas is constructing the Grand Tour to bolster TenneT’s ambitious 2 GW offshore wind grid connection program. This initiative was formalized in a framework agreement in 2023, where TenneT engaged both Allseas and Heerema Marine Contractors for the transport and installation of its offshore platforms. Under this agreement, the plans cover at least 28 operational slots until 2031, splitting responsibilities between the two companies: approximately 60% of the slots to Heerema and 40% to Allseas.
Efficient Transportation from Fabrication to Offshore Deployment
The Grand Tour will play a crucial role in transporting converter stations from fabrication facilities located in Asia and Europe to predetermined locations in the Dutch and German sectors of the North Sea. An innovative aspect of the vessel’s design is its compatibility with the Pioneering Spirit’s bow slot, allowing for a seamless transfer of converter stations directly from the transport vessel to the installation vessel in offshore environments. This synergy is set to significantly streamline offshore installation processes, enhancing the overall efficacy of renewable energy initiatives.
The Future of Offshore Energy Transport
In summary, ABB’s collaboration with GSI and Allseas to deliver power and propulsion systems for the Grand Tour vessel marks a noteworthy milestone in maritime logistics for the offshore energy sector. With evolving demands for renewable energy infrastructure, such innovations will be vital for meeting future energy needs while minimizing environmental impacts.