Neptun’s Blue Azurit Wind Turbine Transport Vessel. Credit: ABS.

Neptun Ship Design has secured American Bureau of Shipping’s (ABS) approval in principal (AIP) for its wind turbine transport vessel design.

The 178m-long Blue Azurit design will enable wind turbine manufacturers to transport components directly from the supplier’s berth to the offshore site.

It is designed to carry parts for turbines greater than 9MW and can be used to deliver components to the installation vessel.

ABS Global Offshore director Wei Huang said: “The scale of offshore wind turbines continues to increase steadily, offering greater efficiencies to the market.

“We are working with Neptun to verify compliance with ABS Rules, as it strives to deliver enhanced vessel capabilities supporting the wind industry’s continued growth while increasing reliability and efficiency.”

ABS granted the AIP following a preliminary engineering plan review. It also added that the conceptual engineering of the vessel is feasible for the planned usage and adheres to the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Offshore Support Vessels, 2018.

“The ABS extensive offshore industry experience made them the natural choice to support this project.”

Neptun managing director Gerald Hadaschik said: “The ABS extensive offshore industry experience made them the natural choice to support this project.

“Blue Azurit will help the offshore wind industry meet pressure to reduce costs, minimise project risks, deliver higher reliability and support renewable energy targets from new offshore wind nations.”

Headquartered in Texas, US, ABS is engaged in providing classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries.

The company works with all industry stakeholders to maintain the safety of marine assets and the proper application of new technologies.