ABB will supply the power and propulsion package for Allseas’ new semi-submersible heavy transport vessel Grand Tour, under a contract with Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI).
The 230-meter Grand Tour is slated for delivery in 2028 and will carry up to 40,000 tonnes on its stern deck. Its design allows for submerging the main deck to load large converter stations, later transferring them to Allseas’ vessel Pioneering Spirit for installation.
Allseas ordered the Grand Tour‘s construction from China’s GSI in September 2025.
ABB will provide four 3.5 MW Azipod propulsion units under its GSI contract. These units enable the vessel’s bollard-pull and dynamic positioning operations by rotating 360 degrees, facilitating Grand Tour‘s maneuverability alongside Pioneering Spirit during load transfers.
The package includes a medium-voltage AC power plant in a closed-ring configuration, ABB’s PEMS power and energy management system, a power plant protection system, and remote monitoring and maintenance functions. Azipod units are optimized for efficiency during transit, according to ABB’s press release on August 11.
Grand Tour will support TenneT’s 2 GW offshore wind grid connection program under a framework agreement from 2023. TenneT secured multi-year agreements with Allseas and Heerema Marine Contractors for platform transport and installation.
This framework covers at least 28 slots through 2031, divided equally between jackets and topsides installation. Heerema receives about 60% of slots, and Allseas about 40%.
Grand Tour will transport converter stations from Asia and Europe to locations in the Dutch and German North Sea sectors. Designed to fit Pioneering Spirit, the vessel facilitates direct converter station transfers from transport to installation offshore.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz