Japan to Build First Jack-Up Turbine Installer

Japan’s Penta-Ocean Construction has placed an order with Japan Marine United for the nation’s first jack-up wind installation platform.

The multi-purpose self-elevating platform will be suitable for marine civil engineering works or offshore wind turbine installation in harsh weather conditions.

The basic design has been supervised by Netherlands-based GustoMSC.

Like many of the mega installers used in Europe, the new platform will have a continuous jack-up system that will be adapted to suit Japanese local conditions and enable it to reach heights above large waves expected during harsh weather. 

The design calls for longer legs that will enable it to install components in the water depths up to 50 meters (160 feet). The platform will also be fitted with a dynamic positioning system to reduce the operational time needed to precisely position the hull and jack-up legs on the seabed.

The platform will have a fully-revolving crane with maximum 800 tons lifting capacity. This will make it suitable for installing 5-6 MW wind turbines and foundations offshore.

The accommodation units and helideck are designed for long-term operations far from shore. However, the platform is also suited to shallow-water operations.

Delivery is expected in September 2018.