Palfinger wins order for 71 offshore cranes

A bid to supply 71 fixed boom davits to the Fécamp offshore wind farm has been won by Bergheim, Austria-headquartered crane manufacturer Palfinger. The wind farm will comprise 71 wind turbines between 13 and 22 km from the coast of northwest France.

Palfinger is supplying 71 PF14000-4.5 LDB fixed boom cranes

Palfinger is supplying 71 PF14000-4.5 LDB fixed boom cranes which will be used to lift materials and tools from the supply vessel onto the laydown area of the transition deck during the installation and commissioning of the wind turbines. The cranes will also be used during routine inspection and service work throughout the turbines’ operational life.

According to Palfinger, the cranes’ low maintenance and minimal service requirements make them well-suited for the task. The davits can operate even during emergency evacuations, Palfinger added.

Palfinger will also deliver two PTM600-20m telescopic boom cranes to the offshore wind farm’s operations and maintenance (O&M) base for loading and unloading materials and equipment to and from Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs).

This is the first time Palfinger has supplied the French offshore wind industry. “Winning this project has opened the door for Palfinger to the French offshore wind market and significantly strengthens our footprint in the European offshore wind industry,” Nikolaj Bæk Rosenkrantz, Palfinger’s sales manager wind, said. “Apart from that, this project has been an invaluable experience so far. We’ve been leading close dialogues, making full use of our synergies and working on solutions that will perfectly meet the customer’s requirements.”

The first cranes are estimated to be supplied in May 2021. The offshore wind farm is expected to commence operations in 2023.