Japanese shipping group MOL has placed an order with Taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering for the construction of an open deck carrier vessel, designed primarily for the transport of offshore wind energy components.
Having signed a basic contract for marine transport with equipment manufacturer JFE Engineering, MOL Drybulk placed the deck carrier order. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in the spring of 2026 and will engage in the transport of offshore wind turbine foundations from JFE Engineering’s manufacturing base in Kasaoka-shi, Okayama Prefecture, to jobsites in Japan. JFE Engineering began production of monopiles in April 2024.
MOL Coastal Shipping will operate the deck carrier under the management of MOL Drybulk. It will be equipped with a dynamic positioning system (DPS) and offer higher weather resistance than non-self-propelled barges, providing direct delivery of cargo to self-elevating platform vessels at offshore wind construction sites.
The 13,000 dwt deck carrier will have an overall length of 150 m, a breadth of 30 m, and a draught of 5.2 m. A flush deck with no protrusions will facilitate cargo loading operations.
MOL Drybulk currently operates a 3,700-tonne class module carrier on a time charter basis to transport onshore and offshore wind turbine components, plant cargo and marine equipment in waters off the coast of Asia.
