The inaugural steel cutting event for the first two zero emission Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOV) Pelagic Walu and Pelagic Wahoo, out of the total 6 planned under the Pelagic Wind Fund was held on September 1st at Cochin Shipyard in India.
The ceremony incorporated traditional Indian customs, providing Andre Groeneveld, Managing Director of PWS, with an opportunity to experience them before initiating the steel cutting process. In attendance were dignitaries including the Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Tourism Mr. Shri. Shripad Naik, the Chairman of CSL Mr. Shri Madhu S Nair, along with representatives from Pelagic Wind Services, DNV, Kongsberg Maritime, Arctic Offshore and Cochin Shipyard.
Pelagic Walu and Pelagic Wahoo are designed for service operations during commissioning and operation of offshore wind parks that will often operate in challenging weather conditions. Equipped with advanced dynamic positioning systems and a wide operational window, they aim to maximize efficiency in offshore operations. The two vessels have a significantly increased DP capability, a highly efficient Methanol-ready genset and a fully electric autonomous gangway with large crane capacity. The vessels are not only fuel-efficient but also utilize zero-emission fuels. Vessel can be upgraded with additional batteries which together with implementation of Kongsberg in-field charging solution would allow to operate on batteries only.
The 93-metre-long vessels have extensive accommodation capacity, which was designed considering every detail to make service technicians comfortable and feel at home, but also has been designed in the way which is taking into consideration operational needs of the vessel and efficiency of logistics on board. Accommodation offers a gym, sauna, cinema, various lounges but also dedicated meeting rooms, office spaces to work in teams or individually. The vessels are utilizing Kongsberg’s Permanent Magnet technology which together with various other measures reduce noise and vibration, having also in focus on board motion comfort which in consequence allows for Safety and Comfort Class 2 notation.
The newbuild vessels are equipped with a unique software package provided by Kongsberg which features decision supporting functionality, near term response forecast, and motion and station keeping forecasting, turbine and motion logging. The vessels have extra-large deck areas of 550 m2 prepared for pallet and container-based storage solutions. Additional features worth mentioning include a modern passenger tracking system, helideck, drone operational base, two boat landings and cyber security.
This milestone ensures our commitment to the Offshore Wind Sector and sets a strong base for further growth through newbuilding activities or second-hand acquisition of high spec vessels that fit within Pelagic Wind Services’ strategy and vision.