Huisman has been selected to supply advanced lifting and handling systems for a new offshore installation vessel. This vessel is a collaborative project between SBM Offshore and Solstad Offshore, designed to cater to both the offshore wind and traditional oil & gas industries. The equipment package from Huisman will include a 2,500-tonne offshore mast crane, a 200-tonne knuckle boom crane, and a 700-tonne and 40-tonne active heave compensated (AHC) winch, along with a 4-tonne overhead travelling crane.
The vessel, named the 'Floating Offshore Installation Vessel' (FOIV), is being built at the Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea. Its design incorporates a large open deck and two main cranes, enabling it to perform a wide range of tasks, including the installation of subsea infrastructure, mooring systems, and other heavy-lift operations. The inclusion of AHC winches is crucial for maintaining stability and precision during installations in dynamic offshore environments.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this development signifies continued investment in specialized heavy-lift and project cargo capabilities within the offshore sector. While not directly impacting container or general cargo rates, it highlights the demand for highly specialized logistics services for large-scale energy projects. Forwarders involved in project cargo for offshore wind farms or oil & gas developments may see increased opportunities for coordinating the transport of large components and modules to marshalling ports, as well as managing complex customs and port logistics for such specialized vessels and their equipment. The enhanced capacity of this vessel could lead to more efficient execution of future offshore projects, potentially streamlining timelines for related cargo movements.
Delivery of the Huisman equipment is scheduled for 2026, aligning with the vessel's construction timeline. The FOIV is expected to commence operations in 2027, supporting global offshore energy developments.
