In a groundbreaking achievement for China’s offshore wind energy capabilities, the Bo Qiang 3060, a deep-sea integrated large-scale wind power installation vessel, underwent a successful trial voyage near Yantai in Shandong Province on Wednesday.
This 133-meter-long vessel, designed and constructed by Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore (CIMC Raffles), set new domestic records in water depth, deck variable load, and lifting capacity. Notably, it can operate in water up to 70 meters deep, distinguishing it as a next-generation wind power installation vessel.
The Bo Qiang 3060 boasts a total variable load capacity of 11,000 tons, enabling the transportation and installation of three sets of 16-megawatt offshore wind turbine units. This vessel stands out as the sole wind power installation vessel in China capable of carrying entire tower sections, as per China Media Group reports.
Chen Changyong, a manager with CIMC Raffles’ Bo Qiang 3060 project, highlighted the vessel’s capabilities, stating that it has a maximum lifting weight of 2,200 tons, with the crane capable of hoisting the hub of a 20-megawatt wind turbine to a height of 160 meters. This design ensures that the vessel meets the installation requirements for offshore locations in China, North Europe, and Southeast Asia.
As offshore wind farms extend into deeper seas, the demand for wind power installation vessels increases, necessitating vessels with capabilities in water depth, large turbines, and operational efficiency. The Bo Qiang 3060 addresses these challenges, significantly enhancing installation efficiency and adaptability to harsh marine weather conditions. Chen noted that the vessel ensures an operational window of over 200 days per year.
China’s advancements in constructing high-end, efficient, and cost-effective offshore wind power installation platforms suitable for various complex sea conditions have garnered attention. The trial operation of the Bo Qiang 3060 marks a substantial stride in China’s technological prowess, positioning the country at the forefront of the international arena in this sector, according to Cong Yi, a professor from the Tianjin School of Administration.
The global offshore wind power industry is anticipated to experience robust growth over the next three decades, with projections indicating a share of 7-9% in the global energy structure by 2050, up from the current 0.3%. The first half of 2023 witnessed strong new orders for offshore wind power vessels globally, with 66 orders recorded, a 6.5% year-on-year increase, according to UK-based Clarksons Research.
CIMC Raffles secured three contracts worth $851 million, underscoring the potential for offshore wind power installation and maintenance amid China’s commitment to achieving peak emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.
The successful trial operation of the Bo Qiang 3060 not only signifies technological excellence but also highlights China’s commitment to independent innovation and technological research and development. Experts emphasize the importance of enhancing tech self-sufficiency and making breakthroughs in addressing bottlenecks to ensure that core technologies remain within China’s grasp.