Van Oord Names Two Next-Generation Fallpipe Vessels for 2028 Delivery

Van Oord has revealed the names of its two next-generation flexible fallpipe vessels, Vindnes and Vestnes, at WindEnergy Hamburg. Scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029, the purpose-built vessels will strengthen the company's subsea rock installation capabilities and support the continued growth of offshore wind, interconnector and critical energy infrastructure projects worldwide. With a loading capacity of 35,000 tonnes each, the vessels have been designed from the keel up as dedicated subsea rock installation vessels.

 

Details of the Naming

 

Van Oord has named two new vessels. It revealed them at an industry event. This was WindEnergy Hamburg. The vessels are flexible fallpipe vessels. They are named Vindnes and Vestnes.

The vessels have a defined timeline. They are scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029. They are purpose-built vessels. They will strengthen rock installation capabilities. They support offshore energy projects.

 

The Market Need

 

The vessels respond to growing demand. Offshore windfarms are moving further offshore. They are also increasing in scale. This drives demand for seabed intervention. Reliable solutions are increasingly needed.

Rock installation is vital to this. Van Oord pioneered it in the 1970s. It protects offshore infrastructure. It also stabilises it. This underpins the vessels' purpose.

 

The Company's Heritage

 

The vessels build on long experience. Van Oord has over 50 years of experience. It has the most extensive fallpipe fleet. This sets an industry benchmark. The new vessels extend this.

The names reflect a fleet tradition. They complement existing vessels. These include Nordnes and Stornes. The names are inspired by wind and the west. They reflect the fleet's character.

 

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The Purpose-Built Approach

 

The vessels are purpose-built. This differs from many recent additions. Those were developed through conversions. These are designed from the keel up. They are dedicated rock installation vessels.

This approach offers advantages. It incorporates decades of lessons. This enhances safety and efficiency. Installation performance also improves. Future fuel flexibility is another benefit.

 

The Vessel Design

 

The vessels have substantial capacity. Each has a 35,000-tonne loading capacity. They are optimised for productivity. They also minimise environmental impact. The design balances several factors.

The design includes advanced features. These span automation and smart sensors. A DP2 positioning system aids placement. Multi-fuel engines feature too. Battery storage supports lower-emission operations.

 

Significance of the Vessels

 

The vessels reflect confidence in offshore energy. Company leadership cited this. They invest in capacity and a new generation. They are designed around productivity. Efficiency and sustainability also feature.

The vessels strengthen the company's position. They are built in China. The first arrives in 2028. The second follows in 2029. Together they address future offshore challenges.