Dajin and Zhengli target WTIV retrofit for European offshore wind
If Europe can’t build the WTIVs fast enough, China is here to help (Source: Dajin Heavy Industry)
Dajin Heavy Industry has signed a strategic framework agreement with Zhengli Marine Engineering to develop offshore wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) designs for the European market. The companies said they will assess retrofitting an existing WTIV to meet European requirements.
The study will focus on a WTIV with a 3,500-tonne lifting capacity operated by Zhengli Offshore. The partners said the work will evaluate upgrades needed to align the vessel with European offshore wind standards, alongside plans for joint research, development, and market expansion.
Dajin said the agreement supports its transition from equipment manufacturing to a full engineering, procurement, construction and installation provider, offering integrated services including transportation, marshalling, and installation. The company has previously supplied projects in Europe, including the UK’s Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm.
Xin Jin, chairman and owner at Dajin, said, “With this strategic move, Dajin will contribute to solving another supply bottleneck in European offshore wind for installation vessels limited both by number as well as capabilities driven by projects under development and next generation turbines and foundations requirements.”
China’s WTIVs are designed for relatively calm seas, and adhere to mainly domestic standards, with efficiency and speed of construction in mind. On the other hand, European WTIVs tend to have a wider beam for improved stability, adhere to international Class and ISO standards, and employ advanced manufacturing techniques like dual-sided welding on critical joints for long-term fatigue resistance.
However, this hasn’t stopped Western companies adding Chinese WTIV assets to their fleets. Recently, Cadeler acquired the Boqiang 3060, built at Shanghai Boqiang Heavy Industry Group “significantly below” the cost of a newbuilding. Renaming it Wind Keeper, Cadeler has since put the vessel into service after a short drydocking at Fayard, which added new stern fastenings and coatings, and revamped interior spaces.
