Purpose-built jack-up vessels will enable the new venture to help its customers speed up their construction of offshore wind farms, says Areva.

“With this pioneering approach, we bring significant added value to our customers: reduced risk, shorter installation and maintenance time and greater competitiveness,” said Areva Renewables CEO Anil Srivastava.

The jack-up vessels can operate in harsh weather and at great depth, said Areva. Customers will also gain from economies of scale through transporting of several sets of foundations and turbines.

Beluga Hochtief Offshore combines is a joint venture between Hochtief Construction AG and Beluga Shipping GmbH. The company has a fleet of about 60 multipurpose heavy lift carriers and specialises in transporting complex goods such as wind turbines.

The firm’s next generation of vessels will serve offshore wind stations from 2012, says the company, which offers lifting vessels that also operate as platforms, raising their bodies above sea level with extendable legs in up to 35 metres of water.