Royal Boskalis B.V. (Boskalis) is set to strengthen its position in the subsea rock installation (SRI) market with the introduction of the ‘Windpiper,’ a vessel designed to support offshore wind projects. With a cargo capacity of 45,500 metric tons, the ‘Windpiper’ will be the largest SRI vessel in the industry, significantly enhancing Boskalis’ fleet, which already includes three existing SRI vessels. By doubling its capacity, Boskalis solidifies its leadership in this specialized sector.
Scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2026, the ‘Windpiper’ will play a pivotal role in the energy transition, primarily supporting offshore wind projects in Northwest Europe. This innovative vessel is being developed through the conversion of an existing vessel, under the expert supervision of Boskalis. Measuring 227 meters in length and 40 meters in breadth, the ‘Windpiper’ will boast an impressive total installed power exceeding 31,000 kW.
In addition to its advanced design, the vessel will be equipped with a moonpool for fall pipe installation and an inclined fall pipe for the protection of offshore structures, such as wind turbine foundations. With seven thrusters and DP2 certification, the ‘Windpiper’ is engineered for superior performance in challenging offshore environments.
The vessel’s remarkable capacity, split across two holds, makes it ideal for long-distance transit projects, such as those along the North American East Coast, the Baltic Sea, and the Southern North Sea. This large capacity will reduce the number of trips needed, ultimately cutting emissions and lowering costs per installed rock volume. Furthermore, with over 100 single-occupancy cabins, the ‘Windpiper’ can comfortably accommodate client representatives in addition to its crew.
