Van Oord’s offshore installation vessel Aeolus has won the KVNR Shipping Award. This prize was presented during the Maritime Awards Gala on 6 November. This gala is also the official start of the Maritime Week that showcases the maritime sector. The Shipping Award is an initiative of the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR) to demonstrate the innovative power of marine shipping, with a focus on the environment and corporate social responsibility.
Tineke Netelenbos, chair of the jury, explained the choice: “The Aeolus of Van Oord is an excellent example of innovative power. The vessel has been fully equipped for the efficient installation of offshore wind parks. An exceptional aspect is that Van Oord has managed the construction of the vessel itself. This is a very impressive achievement. It is a spectacular vessel that represents a huge advance in the Dutch offshore industry and which may result in international spin-off.”
Aeolus has successfully completed its first project: laying the foundations for the Dutch Eneco Luchterduinen offshore wind park. The installation of the wind turbines will follow in 2015. The next project would be the construction of the Gemini offshore wind park, which involves the installation of 150 wind turbines.
