Qidong, Jiangsu, CHINA, Aug. xx, 2024/PRNewswire/- On August 16th, a significant step forward was taken in the renewable energy sector with the naming and delivery of the offshore wind power Service Operation Vessels (SOVs), the Zhizhen 100 and Zhicheng 60. Both vessels, built by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC).
The Zhizhen 100 measures 93.4 x 18 meters with a depth of 7.6 meters and a designated service speed of 12.3 knots while the Zhicheng 60 measures 72.76 x 17.5m with a depth of 7 meters and a designated service speed of 12 knots. Designed for prolonged operations in remote offshore wind farms, these vessels incorporate advanced technology for efficient, environmentally responsible, intelligent, and safe operations and maintenance (O&M). Equipped with the DP2 dynamic positioning system, these vessels feature large cargo spaces and ample storage capacity for wind turbine spare parts. They can sustain operations for over 30 days, meeting the requirements for unlimited navigable areas.
The active wave compensation trestle is the most critical piece of equipment for the wind power SOVs. The Zhicheng 60 has successfully implemented the first domestic extendable trestle with wave compensation functionality. The core technology, a wave compensation control algorithm proprietary to ZPMC, enables reverse compensation for vessel movements in wind and wave conditions of up to 3.5 meters. This ensures the relative stability of the jack-up bridge passage, facilitating the transfer of personnel or equipment and supporting wind farm maintenance operations under challenging sea conditions.
The active wave compensation trestle offers two docking modes—lean mode and hover mode—providing safety and efficiency that far exceed those of conventional SOVs. In comparison to traditional landing methods for offshore wind power platforms, this system greatly reduces the workload and docking challenges for operators, effectively creating a “safe passage” for offshore maintenance activities, enabling genuinely safe transit.
Once operational, the Zhizhen 100 and Zhicheng 60 are set to propel forward the growth of offshore wind farm O&M industry with their superior performance and quality.