Wärtsilä has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Texas based Bleutec Industries. The agreement covers Wärtsilä’s role as the system integrator for Bleutec’s innovative Binary Marine Installation Solution (BMIS).
The BMIS is a cost-effective, Jones Act compliant alternative to the more expensive heavy-lift jack-up Wind Turbine Installation Vessels currently being utilized by offshore wind contractors in Europe.
The BMIS model will be built around a combined vessel spread comprising of a Piling Installation Vessel, a WTIVLight and Service Operation Vessels. The Piling Installation Vessel will feature a gantry crane capable of lifting up to 4500 MT, a hydraulic hammer, and deck space for the piles. The WTIVLight will be capable of installing wind turbines of up to 22 MW, while the Service Operation Vessels will provide the necessary accommodation and crew support services for working in depths of up to 60 meters. All vessels are designed to be powered by Wärtsilä dual-fuel engines paired with Wärtsilä’s hybrid Battery Energy Storage Systems and will incorporate the latest advances in Dynamic Positioning.
“Wärtsilä has taken an active role in this project, and their technical expertise and broad experience are very important to the success of the concept. In particular, we appreciate their industry-leading efforts in developing sustainable technologies that will largely define the industry’s future,” says Robin Bodtmann, CEO of Bleutec.
“We see the Bleutec BMIS as being a game-changer for the offshore wind industry, and we are excited to have been involved from its early stages. As the system integrator, we will continue to work closely with all the parties to bring the project to a successful conclusion,” says George Franssen, Account Manager New Builds Americas, Wärtsilä.
The vessels will comply with the Jones Act, the law regulating maritime commerce in U.S. waters and between U.S. ports and will be constructed and flagged in the USA. They will employ U.S. mariners and crews supporting the U.S. offshore wind industry.
