5,000 tonne crane for Japanese wind energy industry

Huisman will supply a 5,000 tonne tub mounted crane for a Penta-Ocean vessel to operate off the coast of Japan. Image: Huisman

Dutch crane and heavy engineering specialist manufacturer Huisman has won an order to supply a 5,000 tonne capacity crane.

The new giant is a tub mounted crane (TMC) to go on a new offshore heavy lifting vessel for Penta-Ocean Construction Co. It will have an integrated monopile handling system with a motion compensated pile gripper used to install foundations for wind turbines and other offshore structures.

It was developed in conjunction with Penta-Ocean and Ulstein, the designer of the heavy lift vessel. Huisman said it is the world’s first fully integrated heavy lift vessel. Application will be in the Japanese offshore wind market.

Safer and faster

The 5,000 tonne crane, with active heave compensation, will have a dual main hoist. Its Universal Quick Connector will allow efficient and safe tool changes, Huisman said, to reduce cycle time and increase safety.

Advantages of the TMC design include low weight and its minimal tail swing maximises available deck space. There is no counter weight and it has full revolving capacity. Huisman produces its own slew bearings in house.

The pile gripper is designed to handle large diameter monopiles of different lengths, upending them from the deck and installing them over the stern of the ship.

Commenting on the new contract Timon Ligterink, Huisman commercial director for the Asia Pacific region, said, “We are honoured to be awarded this prestigious contract, which celebrates the incredible collaboration between Penta-Ocean Construction, Ulstein, and Huisman. Working together, we have created fully integrated equipment for this groundbreaking, next-generation heavy lift vessel. This partnership exemplifies what can be achieved through shared vision and innovation, and we are committed to advancing the future of heavy lift and installation technology in Japan.”