127m floating wind construction vessel to be equipped with one of the largest AHC subsea cranes ordered in recent years.
MacGregor has secured a major contract to deliver a substantial 400-tonne Active Heave Compensated (AHC) subsea crane for a new 127-metre Floating Wind Farm Construction Vessel (FWCV).
Purpose-designed for the accelerating floating offshore wind sector, the vessel represents a significant milestone in the market’s move toward larger, more capable construction assets. The high-capacity AHC crane, one of the largest subsea AHC cranes ordered in recent years, will equip the FWCV for complex installation and heavy-lift operations in deeper, more challenging waters.
The 400-tonne SWL AHC subsea crane is a critical piece of equipment for the new FWCV, which is specifically designed to support mooring operations, cable laying, and other essential construction activities for floating wind projects. Designed by Focal, the vessel’s first project is anticipated to beat the Ulsan Floating Wind Farm Construction site, located approximately 70 km offshore Ulsan, South Korea.
The contract for MacGregor is with Chinese shipyard, Jiangsu Dajin Heavy Industry, with operations to be managed by Hana Shipping. The crane is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2027, followed by the vessel’s delivery in the second quarter of 2028.
“This significant contract win underlines MacGregor’s position as one of the few global suppliers capable of delivering AHC subsea cranes of this size and complexity with the track record of proven performance in service,” said Lucie Addicks, Executive Vice President Offshore Solutions Division, MacGregor. “This order demonstrates how MacGregor offers not only technically robust and efficient solutions, but also close cooperation with project partners that is backed up by the local presence to support the yard and the ship in service.”
The level of integration required for this crane design, particularly due to the under-deck location of its main hoist, necessitates very close cooperation with the shipyard. The proximity of MacGregor’s production facilities to the shipyard, along with readily available local resources, will ensure a smooth and efficient project execution.
