ABS has awarded Approval in Principle (AIP) to Ned Project. for its hydrogen-ready wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) design.

The NP20000X ULAM design is intended to be Jones Act Compliant and able to meet future offshore wind market demands, specifically operations involving 15-20MW wind turbine installations. Its innovative approach loads monopiles vertically on the 8,000m2 deck, eliminating the need to rotate monopiles to the vertical position at sea, increasing efficiency and safety. The design is equipped with a leg encircling heavy cargo crane with a working load of 3,500 tonnes capable of handling turbines of 240m rotor diameter and 150m tower height.

“ABS is the ideal partner for a highly specialised wind turbine installation vessel such as this, both for the US market and internationally. Our extensive knowledge of US regulations combined with our global offshore industry leadership means we are uniquely equipped to support this project and a range of other innovative vessels now being commissioned to support the growing international demand for renewable energy. ABS is committed to playing a significant role in the safe development of the U.S. offshore wind industry,” said Greg Lennon, ABS Vice President, Offshore Wind.

Ned Project is working with GPZ Energy to develop ULAM WTIV projects for the US market.

“There is significant potential for growth in the US offshore wind market and we are confident our WTIV design has the attributes required to deliver this. The scale, power and handling capacity as well as the innovative way it handles the monopiles means this is perfectly adapted to serve the U.S. industry,” said Peter Novinsky, spokesperson for GPZ Energy.

The design is hydrogen-ready with the engine rooms able to be converted into fuel cell compartments accommodating polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, making it possible to rely solely on liquefied hydrogen (LH2) to meet its energy demands.