South Korean shipbuilding giant Samsung Heavy Industries has ventured into the offshore wind market by developing an LNG-powered wind turbine installation vessel.
The ECO-WTIV model named SLW-FUEL CELL features LNG propulsion but also solid oxide fuel cells and energy storage system, according to SHI.
The shipbuilder said on Thursday it received approval in principle for the model from three classification societies, ABS, DNV, and LR at the same time.
In December 2020, SHI partnered with Hyosung Heavy Industries, a Korean wind turbine gear unit equipment producer, for developing the “enhanced and cost-effective” jacking system, which is the core equipment of the new vessel, the shipbuilder said.
SHI expects the vessel to slash CO2 emissions by about 50% compared to existing ships powered by diesel engines.
“As the offshore wind industry grows, which is one of the pillars of the Green New Deal Policy, there will be more demand for WTIVs. It is very meaningful now that we secured our independent model featuring diverse cutting-edge green technologies,” said Wang K. Lee, vice president of offshore business division of SHI.
SHI has already experience in WTIV construction after delivering three units. The yard became the first shipbuilder in Korea to receive an order to build a WTIV in 2010, it said.
