Belgian owner Jan De Nul has ordered a next-generation jack-up vessel in China.
The Voltaire will be delivered from Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry in 2022 and will have crane capacity for bigger offshore wind turbines.
It has been designed to transport, lift and install turbines, transition pieces and foundations.
The unit will have a 3000-tonne main crane, an operating depth of 80 metres and accommodation for 100 people.
It will have nearly 100% more deck space than Jan De Nul's other two jack-ups, the Vole au Vent and the Taillevent.
Jan De Nul offshore director Philippe Hutse said: “Upon her delivery in 2022, we will be capable of efficiently installing the next generation of offshore wind turbine generators and foundations.
“This investment is a logical step forward in the development of our offshore wind capacities."
