Boskalis has officially commissioned MV Windpiper, completing an 18-month conversion that transformed the vessel into what the company describes as the world’s largest subsea rock installation (SRI) vessel. The ship was christened on 3 July and is expected to begin supporting offshore energy projects in Northwest Europe.
Measuring 227 metres in length and 40 metres in beam, MV Windpiper significantly expands Boskalis’ offshore construction capabilities. The vessel can carry up to 45,500 tonnes of rock in two cargo holds, allowing it to complete projects requiring long sailing distances between loading ports and offshore installation sites with fewer return voyages.
The company said the addition of MV Windpiper will double its subsea rock installation capacity. By transporting larger cargoes on each voyage, the vessel is expected to reduce both project costs and emissions per tonne of rock installed, particularly on developments located along the North American East Coast, the Baltic Sea and the southern North Sea.
Designed for complex offshore construction work, MV Windpiper is equipped with more than 31 MW of installed power, seven thrusters and DP2 dynamic positioning capability. The vessel features both a moonpool fall-pipe system and an inclined fall-pipe installation system, enabling precise rock placement for the protection of subsea infrastructure, including offshore wind turbine foundations, pipelines and cables.
The conversion was carried out under Boskalis’ supervision using an existing vessel rather than a newbuild. The company said the project reflects its strategy of expanding offshore installation capacity while improving operational efficiency for the growing offshore wind sector. The vessel is expected to begin its first commercial assignments in Northwest Europe.
