BLUE WIND

SEP vessel (23,539GT)

BLUE WIND is a self-propelled SEP vessel (self-elevating platform vessel) specializing in the construction of offshore wind power facilities.

Management of the vessel began in 2023. Equipped with one of the world’s highest-capacity cranes and substantial deck load capacity, BLUE WIND plays a leading role in offshore wind construction projects in Japan.

How BLUE WIND Works

BLUEWIND 船上クレーン

A Crane with Maximum Lifting Capacity of 2,500 Tons

The vessel is equipped with a fully revolving onboard crane with a maximum lifting capacity of 2,500 tons.

Its 360-degree slewing capability allows suspended loads to be positioned without constraints from the vessel’s heading, thus supporting ultra-heavy-lift operations in offshore locations beyond the reach of land-based cranes. Possible operations include installation of foundations and major structures for offshore wind facilities, as well as the installation and removal of large modules for offshore platforms.

Jack-up Legs and Riser Water Pump

The jack-up legs are lowered from the vessel to the seabed, allowing the hull to be elevated and fixed above the sea surface. The greatest feature is that the legs enable work to be performed in a stable posture that is free from the effects of waves, effectively supporting offshore operations such as the installation, maintenance, and construction of offshore wind facilities and structures.

As the hull rises above the sea surface during jack-up, seawater cannot be taken in through the vessel’s conventional seawater inlets. Accordingly, a riser water pump system installed along the legs pumps seawater from the sea surface up to the hull, maintaining seawater supply to onboard systems, e.g., cooling, firefighting, and ballast systems.

Diesel-Electric Propulsion

As for the vessel’s propulsion system, diesel generators produce electricity and electric motors drive the propulsors. Because the engines and propellers are not mechanically connected directly, the number of generators in operation can be controlled according to load for excellent fuel efficiency and environmental performance.

Generated electricity can also be flexibly distributed not only for propulsion but also to DP equipment, cranes, and other large work equipment, making this propulsion system suitable for offshore work vessels that require diverse operations.

Large Deck (Loading Space)

Offshore wind construction requires large components such as foundations, towers, and blades to be transported repeatedly between ports and an offshore installation site. A large deck area allows components for multiple turbines to be carried at once, therefore reducing the number of voyages and helping to shorten construction schedules and lower costs.
The deck is also designed with high load-bearing strength, enabling heavy components to be safely secured and stored.

BLUE WIND 大型甲板

DUAL DP

A system in which DP equipment is arranged in a dual-redundant configuration. As generators, thrusters, and control systems are separated into two or more independent systems, position keeping can continue even if a single failure occurs in one system.
This redundancy is required for projects involving high-precision operations such as offshore wind turbine installation and drilling, where any deviation from the required position could directly lead to a serious accident or damage to equipment.

BLUE WINDのDUAL DP（二重冗長型自動船位保持装置）

Large-Scale Accommodation Facilities (up to 130 persons)

In offshore wind power construction and maintenance projects, project personnel from multiple occupations, including construction engineers, operators, and safety managers, need to board the vessel at the same time.

Accommodation facilities for up to 130 persons enable the customer's project personnel to be consolidated on one vessel, thus reducing the need to arrange additional support vessels and the frequency of offshore personnel transfers, and thereby contributing to overall project efficiency.

Recreation Facilities (Training Room, Theater Room, etc.)

In projects requiring large numbers of people living offshore for extended periods of time, physical and mental well-being is essential for safe operations and sustained performance.

The vessel is equipped with recreational facilities, including a training room and theater room, which help meet MLC accommodation standards while providing a comfortable living environment for project personnel.

Supporting the well-being of those on board also contributes to the productivity of long-term projects.

Key Features

BLUE WIND’s defining strength is its heavy-lift capability. Its 2,500-ton crane capacity and high lifting height enable installation of large wind turbine components in a single lift, ensuring stable and efficient offshore construction.
The vessel is also designed to perform in long-period swell conditions, offering higher operational availability than conventional SEP vessels. Its large open deck allows components for multiple turbines to be carried at once, thereby improving construction efficiency by reducing the number of voyages between port and site. As a self-propelled SEP vessel, BLUE WIND does not require tug assistance for transit and can move quickly and flexibly between sites.
This mobility is a significant advantage for projects spanning multiple offshore wind farms.

MANAGED VESSELS