Boskalis’s new subsea rock installation (SRI) vessel Windpiper has departed the Port of Rotterdam to embark on an exciting journey. This vessel is set to pick up its first load of rock and make its way to an offshore wind farm site in the Polish sector of the Baltic Sea.
According to a recent update shared on social media by Boskalis, this innovative SRI vessel is poised to load an impressive 45,500 metric tons of rock from a quarry in Norway. After loading, the Windpiper will journey to the Baltic Sea to commence its inaugural subsea rock installation campaign. While the company has not explicitly confirmed the name of the offshore wind farm, it is speculated to be the 1.2 GW Baltic Power project, as indicated in accompanying details.
The Windpiper has quickly garnered attention as the largest vessel of its kind in the subsea installation industry. Following extensive conversion work that spanned a year and a half, the vessel was officially christened earlier this month and is now ready to make waves in the offshore energy sector.
Originally announced by Boskalis in January 2025, the Windpiper was developed through a meticulous conversion from an existing vessel. With a rock-carrying capacity of 45,500 metric tons, it is equipped to handle substantial loads needed for offshore installations, solidifying its role as a game-changer in the subsea rock installation landscape.
Measuring 227 meters in length and 40 meters in width, Windpiper boasts a total installed power exceeding 31,000 kW. It also features over a hundred single-occupancy cabins, providing accommodations for crew members during long missions at sea. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also ensures the well-being of those onboard, a critical factor in modern maritime operations.
The introduction of the Windpiper marks a vital step forward in supporting the global transition to renewable energy. By facilitating the installation of necessary subsea rock structures for offshore wind farms, this vessel showcases Boskalis’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. This project not only reflects the growth of the offshore wind industry but also highlights the advancements in maritime engineering.
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