The Boreas: A Groundbreaking Vessel for Offshore Wind Installation
The maritime industry has reached a new milestone with the christening of the Boreas, the largest and most sustainable offshore wind installation vessel in the world. Named after the Greek god of the Northern winds, the Boreas was officially launched by Ms. Carola Schouten, the mayor of Rotterdam, amidst a gathering of guests and Van Oord employees.
Designed specifically for the transport and installation of next-generation foundations and turbines for offshore wind farms, the Boreas is a game-changer in the industry. Measuring an impressive 175 meters in length, the vessel boasts a crane with a 155-meter-high boom, capable of lifting over 3,000 tons. With these cutting-edge features, Van Oord is poised to meet the growing demands of the offshore wind sector, including the installation of turbines exceeding 20 MW in power.
What sets the Boreas apart is its innovative technology and commitment to sustainability. The vessel is equipped with dual fuel-methanol engines, significantly reducing its carbon footprint by over 78%. Moreover, it incorporates Selective Catalytic Reduction to minimize nitrogen oxide emissions and a large battery pack of more than 6,000 kilowatt-hours, further enhancing its fuel efficiency and environmental performance.
Setting Sail for the Future
Following the christening ceremony, the Boreas is set to embark on its maiden voyage to the Nordseecluster in the German North Sea, a collaborative project between RWE and Norges Bank Management Investment. Van Oord’s role in the venture includes the installation of 104 extended monopiles and scour protection measures, contributing to the development of a 1.6 gigawatt wind-farm cluster capable of powering 1,600,000 German households with clean, renewable energy.
Notably, Van Oord also announced during the launch of the Boreas that its climate goals have been endorsed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), making it the first marine contractor to align with the 1.5 degrees Celsius pathway of the Paris Agreement. This commitment underscores the company’s dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
As the Boreas sets sail towards a greener future, it symbolizes the potential for innovation and progress in the offshore wind industry. With its advanced technology and eco-friendly design, the vessel represents a significant step towards achieving a more sustainable and renewable energy landscape.