Belgium: GeoSea Holds Naming Ceremony for DP2 Jack-Up Vessel Neptune

Amid great public attention, the new DP2 jack-up vessel ‘Neptune’ was named at the port of Ostend by Mrs Isabel Casteleyn, partner of Federal State Secretary for Energy and the Environment Melchior Wathelet. This self-propelled jack-up vessel was built by IHC Merwede for GeoSea N.V., the offshore marine construction specialist of the Belgian DEME Group.

The contract for the detailed design, construction and delivery of this vessel was signed between GeoSea and IHC Merwede on 16. September 2010, the keel was laid on 25. March 2011 and the ship was launched on 23. September 2011. A short delivery time for this complex, advanced and unique vessel.

The 60 m long and 38 m wide ‘Neptune’ is a DP2 (dynamic positioning) jack-up vessel and is equipped with a 600-ton crane that is fully integrated into the hull. As such, the ‘Neptune’ will be perfect for the transport and installation of offshore wind turbines and any other heavy marine offshore structures.

The ‘Neptune’ also obtained a ‘Green Passport’, provided by ABS (American Bureau of Shipping).

GeoSea aims to further strengthen its position in the leading group of companies that specialise in developing renewable energy and building wind farms at sea. The company also carries out activities such as offshore geotechnical investigations, drilling large diameter piles for building structures such as jetties, and high-tech horizontal drilling as was successfully executed under the wreck of the sunken car carrier Tricolor.

The new jack-up vessel has been given the name ‘Neptune’ as this god of the seas represents the universal ocean of oneness with all beings. Neptune is strong, unyielding, indomitable, idealistic and imaginative. The planet Neptune, moreover, is regarded as a planet of inspiration, dreams and creativity. All these characteristics suit the purposes and values of GeoSea perfectly.

Neptune’s main features:

Hull

Length: 60.0 m

Width: 38.0 m

Draught: 6.0 m

Design draught hull: 3.90 m

Legs

Number: 4

Type: circular, diameter 3.5 m

Leg length: 92.00 m

Jacking system

Type: GustoMSC hydraulic positive engagement

Drive: Electro-hydraulic

Capacity: 2,750 t preload per leg

Cranes

600 mT Wind turbine installation crane (make Huisman)

10 mt Auxiliary crane

Propulsion

Thrusters 4 x azimuthing dismountable thrusters with CPP propellers, 2 aft and 2 forward

Propeller diameter 2.30 m

Drives 4x diesel engine 1,600 kW each

Accommodation

Accommodation for 60 people

Class

ABS for self propelled vessel (IMO MODU Code)

Class notation: ABS +A1, Self Elevating Unit, +AMS, +ABCU, DPS-2, CRC

[mappress]

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, March 8, 2012; Images: deme