Swiss offshore construction specialist Allseas has placed an order with Guangzhou Shipyard International (China) for a next-generation semi-submersible heavy transport vessel.
The new vessel, named Grand Tour, will be delivered in the first quarter of 2028. With a 40,000-ton carrying capacity, it is designed to transport some of the world’s largest offshore structures and seamlessly integrate them into the installation process with Allseas’ flagship vessel Pioneering Spirit.
Key features of
Grand Tour:
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specifically designed to fit into the bow slot of Pioneering Spirit, simplifying offshore installation;
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equipped with a 24 MW power plant, methanol-ready with the option to switch to e-methanol;
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will be deployed in TenneT’s offshore wind program, which aims to deliver up to 28 GW of clean wind energy to Europe by 2032;
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capable of transporting large converter stations from manufacturing sites in Asia and Europe to Dutch-German sectors of the North Sea, where Pioneering Spirit will handle installation.
“By combining its own transport and installation capabilities, Allseas can reduce risks, optimize schedules, and provide clients with unmatched reliability in delivering complex offshore infrastructure,” said Peter Cambier, Project Director at Allseas.
In addition to offshore wind projects, the new vessel will also enhance Allseas’ fleet logistics and open opportunities in the global heavy cargo transport market.
