A steel cutting ceremony has taken place at the shipyard Drydocks World in Dubai marking the beginning of an important new phase in the modification of the vessel's hull and deck.
The conversion scope includes the fabrication and installation of 9,000t of steel blocks on both sides of the vessel to increase the stability of the vessel and the installation of a new work deck. A 4,000t crane will be installed on the vessel in 2021. This revolving crane will be capable of lifting structures more than 100m high.
Peter Berdowski, CEO of Boskalis: "This steel cutting ceremony marks an important step for Boskalis and the conversion of the Bokalift 2. The huge deck space combined with the large crane makes the Bokalift 2 an extremely versatile asset and valuable addition to the Boskalis fleet. We look forward to putting this unique crane vessel to work on its maiden offshore wind project in Taiwan. Yesterday's milestone is especially commendable in view of the challenging times that we are all currently experiencing."
The Bokalift 2 will be deployed for the first time at the Changfang and Xidao offshore wind farm project in Taiwan, owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and two Taiwanese life insurance companies. The project includes the transportation and installation of 62 three-legged jacket foundations and the accompanying 186 pin piles.
