S.Korea launches its first offshore wind installation vessel

Hyundai Engineering & Steel Industries launched South Korea's premier offshore wind installation vessel, the Hyundai Frontier, on Tuesday. This 14,000-ton vessel, developed as part of a national project, sets a significant milestone in the country's renewable energy sector.

The Hyundai Frontier, with its dimensions of 85 meters in length, 41 meters in width and 6.5 meters in height, is equipped to lift, transport and install offshore wind turbines in a single operation.

Key features of the vessel include a dynamic positioning system for maintaining accurate positioning in challenging sea conditions and a jacking system for lifting and stabilizing the hull above water.

These allow the vessel to operate across all seabed terrains. Additionally, an integrated ship crane with a 1,200-ton capacity enables the installation of high-performance turbines of up to 10 megawatts.

After launch, the Hyundai Frontier is set to commence turbine installation at the Jeju Hanlim Offshore Wind Power Plant site. Led by Hyundai Engineering & Construction, this offshore wind power complex embodies a comprehensive approach to energy production, encompassing business development, equity investment, project financing procurement, and design, procurement and construction.

Currently, Hyundai Engineering & Steel Industries and Hyundai Engineering & Construction are responsible for key project processes, including the fabrication and installation of substructures, upper turbines and undersea cables.

As a 100%-owned subsidiary of Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Hyundai Engineering & Steel Industries stands as the only domestic company capable of handling the entire process of offshore wind power complex construction.

With a dedicated offshore wind foundation manufacturing facility in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province, the company has cornered 97% of the domestic market share.

Notably, Hyundai Engineering & Construction holds the distinction of being the first domestic construction company involved in the construction of the Southwest Sea Wind Power Demonstration Complex, South Korea's inaugural offshore wind demonstration complex.

Write to Eun-Ji Shim at summit@hankyung.com