Keppel FELS and Seafox to Build Wind Turbine Installation Vessel

Seafox Group has chosen Keppel FELS’ multi-purpose self-elevating platform (MPSEP), as the base platform to be used in a wind turbine installation vessel, that can endure harsh conditions in the North Sea, at depths ranging up to 65m. Keppel FELS and Seafox in a 75/25 joint venture have built and own the vehicle that costs around $220 million. Seafox is provided with an option to purchase Keppel’s stake in the venture.

The KFELS MPSEP vessel, planned by the offshore technology research and development of Keppel has the distinct feature to erect and maintain foundation structures, for heavy wind turbines such as tripod or jacket types in deeper waters and can comfortably operate from a depth of 45%, and in extreme turbulent weather conditions, thus allowing longer period of operations required during the wind turbine installations. Also the vessels can carry up to 12 turbines at a time to save on trips and to improve the competence of building offshore wind turbines. This vessel in addition to meeting the requirements of installation and servicing of offshore wind turbines can also support the activities of offshore oil and gas industry.

The KFELS MPSEP is expected to be delivered during the second half of the year 2012. The vessel to be named as Seafox 5 will be supervised and operated by Workfox BV a member company of the Seafox Group.