MARCH 20, 2013 — German shipbuilder J.J. Sietas has used Nupas-Cadmatic CAD/CAM software to help minimize the design and engineering time needed to develop a new series of jack-up vessels for the offshore wind industry.

The Sietas jack-ups are being built for Dutch contractor Van Oord and are designed to operate reliably, quickly and hold a stable position, even in heavy seas.

"J.J. Sietas will continue to design, build and construct future-development offshore ships and vessels based on innovative ideas and integral concepts with outstanding profitability for the offshore wind energy sector. Nupas-Cadmatic enables us to deliver these vessels in minimal time from concept up to the delivery," says Dipl. Ing. Katharina Voigt, Engineer/ Naval architect, Project Management, J.J. Sietas.

The ships will be available in two types: type 187, designed to carry loads up to 900 tonnes and type 187a, designed to carry loads up to 1,200 tonnes.

The first vessel, the Aeolus, is set for commissioning in spring 2013.

The vessel will be 139 m long, 38 m wide, draft of 5.7 m and speed of 12.00 knots. The vessel will be equipped with a crane capable of hoisting 900 tonnes at 30 m radius and has accommodations for 74 persons.

Total installed power is 17,715 kW, with two 2,500 kW bow thrusters and two 2,500 kW providing the ships with high maneuverability while installing wind turbines.