Built by Taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering in China, the 12,709 dwt, 149.9-metre vessel was completed under a 2024 contract signed by MOL Drybulk. Wind Whale will transport monopile foundations from JFE Engineering's Kasaoka facility in Okayama Prefecture to Japanese offshore wind construction sites. The flush-deck design allows stern or side loading of monopiles, towers, blades, nacelles, and floating foundations via multi-axle transporters, and a dynamic positioning system enables direct offshore transfers to wind turbine installation vessels.
Context
It is the first Japanese coastal deck carrier built specifically for offshore wind foundation logistics, entering a period when Fugro reports a windstilte in large offshore orders and expects recovery only in 2027.