Van Oord’s Offshore Installation Vessel Navigates the Globe’s Largest Sea Lock

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Van Oord’s newest offshore installation vessel, Boreas, has successfully reached the Netherlands after an extensive journey of 14,700 nautical miles from China. The ship passed through the world’s largest sea lock in IJmuiden on its way to its final destination, creating a remarkable spectacle.

In the Netherlands, Boreas will undergo its final outfitting and commissioning stages before embarking on its inaugural offshore wind project.

Currently docked at TMA Logistics in the Port of Amsterdam, Boreas is set to be equipped with essential wind turbine foundation equipment and installation tools.

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Following the completion of these preparations, a ceremonial christening is scheduled for june in Rotterdam.

A senior representative from van Oord highlighted this arrival as a significant achievement, acknowledging the dedication and effort invested by their team over four years. They expressed enthusiasm about utilizing Boreas for offshore wind initiatives that support global energy transition efforts.

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At 175 meters long,Boreas ranks among the largest vessels of its type. It boasts a crane capable of lifting over 3,000 tonnes and features a towering boom that reaches 155 meters high—perfectly suited for managing advanced wind turbines and their foundations.

Additionally, it is equipped with four substantial legs measuring 126 meters each that enable it to elevate itself and operate in waters up to 70 meters deep.

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Boreas prioritizes sustainability as it becomes the first offshore installation vessel designed to operate on methanol—achieving an impressive reduction in environmental impact by over 78%.

The vessel also incorporates Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to lower NOx emissions while featuring a robust battery pack with a capacity of 6,000 kilowatt hours.This system aids in managing peak energy demands and regenerating power effectively—further decreasing fuel consumption.