VESSEL REVIEW | Guo An Yun Wei – SWATH renewables maintenance vessel for Chinese operator

Wuhu Shipyard in China recently handed over a new offshore renewables maintenance vessel to local customer Hainan Yuehai Shipping Logistics (HYLS).

The aptly named Guo An Yun Wei ("Guo An Operation and Maintenance") was designed by the China Shipbuilding Science Research Centre in compliance to China Classification Society rules.

The vessel has an LOA of 38.5 metres, a draught of three metres, a displacement of 300 tonnes, and a prominent small waterplane area twin hull (SWATH) design that guarantees improved seakeeping during transits to and loading/unloading technicians at wind turbines.

Power is provided by two main engines driving propellers to deliver a design speed of 14 knots. The wide lateral separation between the two propellers generates powerful manoeuvring torque, allowing the vessel to turn on its own length. The SWATH design also guarantees minimised stalling in waves as well as a larger deck area compared to vessels of similar size.

Guo An Yun Wei will be operated by Shandong Shihua Shipping Service Company on behalf of HYLS. It is one of the first SWATH windfarm operation and maintenance vessels to enter service in China.

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