The conversion projects boosting offshore energy

As calls for renewable energy grow, the maritime industry is working to keep up, developing more and larger offshore installations to increase clean power production. These projects are supported by vessels specifically designed to facilitate the installation and maintenance of offshore energy, or the storage and supply of lower-carbon power. To meet demand for offshore construction and operations quickly and sustainably, the maritime industry, with the support of class, is safely converting existing assets into offshore wind vessels and powerships.

Supporting wind farms with OSV conversion

Dutch company Boskalis is a strong example of a shipowner converting vessels to enable the installation of large wind turbines foundations and other offshore projects.

Finesse, a former semi-submersible, has been converted into DP-2 crane vessel Bokalift 1. The ship was converted at Keppel Shipyard in Singapore, and can lift loads up to 99 meters high. During conversion, the semi-submersible’s ballast tanks were redone to accommodate diesel generators and switchboards. The Bokalift 1 is now installing jackets and monopiles for offshore wind turbines and decommissioning oil and gas platforms.

The Bokalift 2, a former drilling unit, has also been transformed into a crane vessel. Over 9,000 tons of steel were added to increase the ship’s stability, as well as a fly jib that can lift objects 125 meters above deck. The vessel has 7,500 m² of open deck space and can carry 150 people onboard. For its first project, the Bokalift 2 will transport and install 62 three-legged jacket foundations and 186 pin piles for a Taiwanese offshore wind farm.

Bringing LNG to underserved regions

Another company undertaking the conversion of offshore vessels is Karmol LNG, a partnership between Turkish power producer Karadeniz and Japanese shipowner MOL. Starting in 2019, Karmol LNG converted two LNG carriers, repurposing them as floating storage and regasification units (FSRU). Both vessels – Karmol LNGT Powership Africa and Karmol LNGT Powership Asia – have been delivered, and will operate in Senegal and Brazil, respectively. A third FSRU, Karmol LNGT Powership Europe, is also undergoing conversion, and will operate in Mozambique.

Classing converted vessels for shipowners

As climate targets for 2030 and 2050 approach, marine stakeholders are looking to increase renewable energy production. Thanks to our experience with conversions and retrofitting, and our expertise in regulatory compliance and sustainability, Bureau Veritas is a class partner of choice. Having classed Bokalift 1 and Bokalift 2, as well as both delivered Karpower powerships, we look forward to working on further conversion projects.