Siemens equips offshore wind turbine installation vessel for the first time

The final customer is A2SEA A/S, a supplier of installation services for the construction of offshore wind farms. Delivery of the self-propelled jack-up vessel is scheduled for July 2012.

This is Siemens’ first installation of a diesel electric propulsion and automation system on a wind turbine installation vessel. The order has a volume of around 5 million euros. The COSCO (Nantong) Shipyard Group Co. Ltd. is constructing a new wind turbine installation vessel for the Danish offshore wind installation specialist A2SEA.

The “SEA INSTALLER” will be a jack-up vessel optimized to operate at water depths of up to 45 meters and it will therefore be wellfitted for the installation of upcoming offshore wind projects in the UK as well as in other offshore wind markets. The vessel is built for operations in tidal areas and difficult soil conditions and will be able to carry eight to ten complete wind turbines at a time. This is significantly more than the capacity of the vessels which are currently available in the market.

Siemens will provide the main generators and distribution transformers for the MV (medium voltage) onboard power supply, the switchgear and the power management system. The scope of supply also includes the MV thruster transformers, the frequency converters and the motors for the main azimuth thrusters. Siemens will also provide the MV constant speed drive system for the bow tunnel thruster and the retractable azimuth thruster. The ship’s automation system SISHIP IMAC will perform monitoring, alarm and control functions for the electrical equipment on board. Siemens is also responsible for project management, engineering and commissioning of the entire diesel electrical propulsion system. All systems and components used are part of the “SISHIP” solution platform from Siemens.

As a majority shareholder, the Danish power company DONG Energy holds 51 percent of A2SEA, a service provider for offshore wind parks. In order to become more efficient in the construction of offshore wind parks, in November 2010 Siemens acquired 49 percent of A2SEA and became a minority shareholder in the company. The joint goal is to build ships for the specific demands during the installation of offshore wind parks.

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of environmentally friendly production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies and comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. With around 204,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry achieved in fiscal year 2010 total sales of approximately €34.9 billion. http://www.siemens.com/industry

The Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world's leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities comprising the business activities of Siemens VAI Metals Technologies, Water Technologies and Industrial Technologies. Activities include engineering and installation, operation and service for the entire life cycle. A wide-ranging portfolio of environmental solutions helps industrial companies to use energy, water and equipment efficiently, reduce emissions and comply with environmental guidelines. With around 29,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Solutions posted sales of €6.0 billion in fiscal year 2010. http://www.siemens.com/industry-solutions