The 230-meter long vessel has been ordered by global offshore contractor Allseas and will provide a key link in the logistics chain supporting Europe’s offshore wind energy industry. On its delivery in 2028, Grand Tour will carry very large converter stations from fabricators in Asia and Europe and transfer them directly to Allseas’ construction vessel Pioneering Spirit for installation. Converter stations are at the heart of long-distance offshore power transmission as they turn AC electricity from turbines into DC for site-to-shore transfer by power cable. ABB’s supply includes four 3.5MW nozzled Azipod® units, providing sufficient thrust to serve Grand Tour’s bollard pull and dynamic positioning (DP) needs. Gearless Azipod® units reduce mechanical losses and fuel consumption – thereby helping to reduce emissions – as well as noise and vibration compared to conventional mechanical thrusters.