Swiss-based marine construction specialist Allseas has ordered a semi-submersible heavy transport vessel from Guangzhou Shipyard International in China.
The new vessel, to be named Grand Tour, will be delivered in the first quarter of 2028. It will have a load capacity of 40,000 tonnes and is designed to carry the world’s largest offshore structures and easily transfer them to the Pioneering Spirit for installation.
The new vessel is designed to fit inside the bow slot of Pioneering Spirit. This integration will streamline the offshore installation process and offer clients a one-stop shop for transport and installation of large structures.
The vessel will also have a methanol-ready 24MW propulsion system, with the capability to transition to e-methanol.
Grand Tour will be used in TenneT’s offshore wind programme, which will deliver 28GW of clean offshore wind power to European homes and businesses by 2032.
The vessel will transport very large converter stations from fabrication yards in Asia and Europe to installation sites in the Dutch and German North Sea, where the Pioneering Spirit takes over for single-lift installation.
“By keeping transport and installation in-house, Allseas can reduce risk, streamline schedules, and offer clients unmatched reliability in delivering complex offshore infrastructure,” said Pieter Kambier, Allseas project director.
Beyond offshore wind, the new vessel will enable the company to relocate its own fleet assets and enter new floating cargo markets.
