Transporting offshore wind turbines

Page date: Published 22 Aug 2024; updated 30 Sep 2026. 2 min read.

The article outlines vessel types used to transport and install offshore wind turbines. Vessel selection depends on turbine and foundation size, project budget and vessel availability. Turbine components are partly assembled on land before being shipped to the installation site.

It describes tugboats towing barges carrying components or floating foundations, and sometimes supporting assembly or maintenance. Crane barges lift components from ports and use high-capacity cranes offshore, with precision and suitable weather required. Older jack-up barges also lift pre-assembled turbines and support structures but need stable weather and may lack the height and capacity for the largest modern turbines. Purpose-built jack-up vessels raise themselves on legs above sea level, use dynamic positioning and have deck space for multiple turbines; the article notes their high operating costs. Semi-submersible crane vessels are heavy-lift ships for large offshore structures, with lifting capacities cited up to 20,000 metric tonnes, and are described as the most expensive to operate. Related links: Energy; Offshore wind; offshore wind turbine installation.