On February 23, China’s independently developed fourth-generation offshore installation vessels, Zhigao and Zhiyuan, were officially completed in Nantong, Jiangsu Province.
Source: CCTV News App
On February 23, China’s independently developed fourth-generation offshore installation vessels, Zhigao and Zhiyuan, were officially completed in Nantong, Jiangsu Province. These vessels are primarily designed to transport and install wind turbines in deep-sea areas. Capable of operating up to 100 kilometers offshore, they will provide significant support for China’s efforts to advance offshore wind power into deeper seas.
The Gemini installation vessels are part of China’s fourth generation of offshore wind power equipment, and are the latest generation of wind turbine installation vessels globally. Compared to their third-generation counterparts, these vessels mark a substantial leap forward in both technology and performance. This Gemini duo is one of China’s most advanced wind turbine installation vessels, offering the best wind and wave resistance, superior installation capacity, high operational efficiency, and cutting-edge automation.
The Zhigao vessel is equipped with four powerful engines, capable of generating 17,000 kilowatt-hours per hour—enough to meet the daily electricity needs of nearly 2,000 households. Zhang Weifeng, chief engineer of China Energy Construction Ocean Engineering, explained that these vessels can complete the installation of a single offshore wind turbine in just 2-3 days, improving installation speed by 30% compared to third-generation vessels. They can withstand winds of up to force 16 and waves as high as 12 meters, making them essential for large-scale offshore wind development in deep-sea areas.
The continued production of such advanced equipment further solidifies China’s leadership in offshore engineering equipment, with the country holding the world’s largest market share for seven consecutive years. Moreover, China’s high-end marine engineering equipment continues to make technological breakthroughs in both innovation and environmental sustainability. In 2024, China’s share of international orders for green vessels reached 78.5%, with comprehensive coverage of mainstream vessel types.