With a unique engine configuration, MAN Energy Solutions offers something of great interest to operators of wind turbine installation vessels and is opening up a new market.

As yet they are a small force, but they are accomplishing great things: Wind turbine installation vessels (WTIVs) can carry a payload of more than 17,000 metric tons and lift wind turbine components weighing 2,600 metric tons. There were just 49 vessels of this type in the world in 2023, but their numbers are growing, creating promising opportunities for MAN Energy Solutions to enter this market.

Engine configuration makes the ­difference

Danish offshore wind power provider ­Cadeler put its first P-class vessel, the Wind Peak, into service in August 2024. The second, the Wind Pace, will follow later this year. P-class vessels have the largest lifting and transport capacity of all vessels in this segment. The vessels boast a special feature in the shape of a unique diesel-electric configuration, which was supplied by MAN Energy Solutions. Instead of relying entirely on medium-speed engines like the majority of WTIVs, these vessels also have lighter, high-speed engines on board.

Added value for the customer

Two each of type 9L32/44CR, 6L32/44CR and 12V175D engines are used. This configuration makes it easier to handle the varying power requirements when installing wind turbines. One of the biggest challenges facing a WTIV in terms of energy needs is the ability to raise the vessel right out of the water using extendable legs in order to stabilize it during installation, as well as to protect it from waves and currents. The different outputs of the individual engines make it possible to distribute the power requirements flexibly between the engines and operate them in a favorable load range, minimizing fuel consumption. The use of high-speed engines also saves weight, which increases the vessel’s payload. The less the ship itself weighs, the more wind farm components it can carry per trip. “MAN Energy Solutions is the only supplier of this remarkable engine configuration,” says Elvis Ettenhofer, Head of New Marine Solutions. “It offers the highest efficiency, the lowest weight and the largest payload – real added value for Cadeler.”