New frontier: Keppel's multi-purpose self-elevating platform vessel future energy ‘Gaaphiefphote: KEPPEL FELS/SEACORE Keppel installation vessel set for deep Q Wind turbine unit targets greater depth and ‘critical niche’ in market SINGAPORE'S Keppel has u veiled plans for a $220 million ‘wind turbine installation vessel that will be able to operate in deeper waters than most existing ‘and under-construction units. ‘The new design by Keppd Fels, in partnership with Seafox Group, “will be able to withstand harsh offshore environmental condi- tons year-round in water depths of up to 65 metres in the North Sea, This is about 45% deeper than other wind turbine install- ation vessels, according to Keppel ‘The multi-purpose self-elevat- ingplatform (MPSEP) design will beable to carry up to 12 wind tur bines at a time, enhancing the ney of building offshore wind farms, said the Singapore contractor. ‘The vessel is claimed to havea stinctive ability” over other e isting vessels to install and main tain heavy wind turbine founda- s, such as jacket and tripod types, especially in deeper wa- ters, “The unit can also be used for oil and gas industry operations AMANDA BATTERSBY London ich as providing accommoda- tion and supporting well interven tion, maintenance, construction and decommissioning activities. 1¢ Keppel Fels MPSEP will ificant advantages in terms of safety, operations, time and cost to operators working in. these harsh environments,” said Keppel Fels executive director ‘Wong Kok Seng, The vessel, scheduled for deliv- ery in thesecond quarter of 2012, will be managed and operated by Dutch contractor Workfox, a member of the Seafox Group. ‘Seafox Group managing direc tor Keesjan Cordia said: “When smpleted, this ground breaking vessel, Seafox 5, will address and overcome critical technical and safety challenges faced in thecon- struction and maintenance of wind farms indeeper waters, and carve a critical niche for Seafox and Keppel.” [A 75:25 joint venture has been formed between Keppel Fels and ‘Market: European wind turbine installation work Seafox to build and own the MPSEP and Seafox has the option to acquire Keppel’s stake in the partnership. ‘The European Wind Energy Association has set a target of achieving 40 gigawatis of offshore ‘wind power generation. in. the European Union by 2020 and 150 GWa decade later. The UK alone expects to install about 8000 off- shore wind turbines up until 2020, to achieve the Round 3 offshore wind energy goal of delivering 15% of the UK's electricity needs by then. Of the total itis estimated thet about 2700 turbines would be re- ‘quired at water depths greater than 45 metres.