DEME to tap Liftra cranes for new offshore wind installation method

DEME Offshore and Liftra ApS, a Danish lifting specialist focused on the wind industry, are teaming up to develop a new offshore installation method for the upcoming generation of wind turbine generators.

The exclusive partnership will see Liftra crane technology be integrated onboard DEME’s vessels to enable the erecting of higher and heavier turbines using existing vessels at a lower cost.

According to an announcement today, the companies plan to develop the technology in stages and, after a testing programme, to bring it into operation in 2027. The system can be placed on DEME’s floating offshore heavy-lift vessels such as Orion or Green Jade, as well as its existing jack-ups.

Bart de Poorter, general manager DEME Offshore Renewables, said that the major advantage of the new joint technology is the ability to install fixed or floating turbines from a floating vessel, which means no limitations to water depth. The new approach also results in a reduced environmental footprint on the seabed.

“Liftra is proud to contribute with our innovative LT1500 installation crane technology which is based on 10 years of Self-Hoisting crane product experience, and the special configuration with two cranes working in parallel, is also proven and goes back many years,” committed Liftra chief executive Per Fenger.

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