Van Oord has officially christened Boreas, the world’s largest and most sustainable offshore wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV). Equipped with cutting-edge green technologies, Boreas is set to revolutionize offshore wind projects while significantly reducing carbon emissions. This milestone highlights Van Oord’s leadership in driving the global energy transition.
Rotterdam, the Netherlands — 18 June 2025, In a landmark event for maritime sustainability and offshore wind expansion, Van Oord has officially christened its newest and most advanced vessel, the Boreas, during a high-profile ceremony in Rotterdam. With this unveiling, the Netherlands-based marine contractor has not only introduced the world’s largest offshore wind installation vessel, but also raised the bar for green marine fuels and industry-wide decarbonisation.
Christened by Carola Schouten, Mayor of Rotterdam, the Boreas represents Van Oord’s most ambitious investment to date and is poised to be a game-changer in the global energy transition.
A Future-Proof Vessel for the Energy Transition
Named after the Greek god of the northern winds, the Boreas is a purpose-built offshore wind installation vessel capable of handling next-generation wind turbines exceeding 20 megawatts (MW)—a size comparable in height to the Eiffel Tower.
Key specifications include:
- Length: 175 metres
- Crane Boom Height: 155 metres
- Lifting Capacity: Over 3,000 tonnes
- Fuel Type: Methanol (dual-fuel capability)
- Battery Capacity: Over 6,000 kWh
“The Boreas is the largest investment in our company’s history,” said Govert van Oord, CEO of Van Oord. “It’s a testament to our ambition to remain a frontrunner in offshore wind, accelerate the energy transition, and perform our work responsibly.”
Methanol: At the Heart of Sustainable Bunkering Innovation
For the bunkering and marine fuel industry, the Boreas is a beacon of progress. It is the first offshore wind installation vessel in the world powered by dual-fuel engines capable of running on methanol—a cleaner alternative to conventional marine fuels.
Operating on methanol cuts the vessel’s carbon footprint by over 78%. Additionally, it’s equipped with:
- Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to significantly reduce NOx emissions
- A high-capacity battery system to lower onboard fuel usage and boost efficiency
This configuration supports low-emission operations during sensitive port maneuvers and offshore installations, setting a new industry benchmark in sustainable marine engineering.
Boreas Achieves Port of Amsterdam’s First Methanol Bunkering
In May 2025, Van Oord’s Boreas made history by completing the Port of Amsterdam’s first-ever ship-to-ship methanol bunkering operation. The vessel received 500 tonnes of ISCC-certified green methanol from the bunker vessel Chicago, owned by Unibarge, at the TMA Logistics terminal in Amerikahaven. This milestone highlights the collaboration between Van Oord, Unibarge, and the Port of Amsterdam in advancing sustainable marine fueling solutions.
First Mission: Nordseecluster Offshore Wind Farm
Following its christening, the Boreas will begin its maiden deployment at the Nordseecluster offshore wind project in the German North Sea—a joint venture between RWE (51%) and Norges Bank Investment Management (49%).
Van Oord’s scope of work includes:
- Installation of 104 extended monopiles
- Deployment of scour protection
The 1.6 GW Nordseecluster will generate enough renewable energy to power approximately 1.6 million German households, reinforcing the Boreas’ role in Europe’s clean energy future.
Van Oord First Marine Contractor Approved by Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
In a parallel announcement during the christening event, Van Oord revealed a historic milestone: it has become the first marine contractor in the world to receive official approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its climate goals.
The approval confirms Van Oord’s alignment with the 1.5°C pathway of the Paris Agreement, and recognizes the company’s comprehensive efforts to decarbonise across both fleet and operations.
“This approval reflects both our commitment to decarbonise our operations and our desire to increase system-wide collaboration,” said Govert van Oord. “We invite our clients and partners to join us on this path by integrating climate ambition into their own business decisions. Together, we can drive real change.”
Van Oord submitted its greenhouse gas targets in May 2023, engaged in a rigorous technical classification process with SBTi using their Maritime Guidance, and received formal approval on 1 June 2025.
Implications for the Bunkering and Marine Fuel Sector
The introduction of the methanol-powered Boreas marks a pivotal development for the global bunkering industry, especially as shipowners and port authorities grapple with IMO 2030/2050 targets and regional emissions regulations.
Methanol, now gaining traction as a viable clean marine fuel, offers:
- Lower carbon intensity
- Established bunkering infrastructure
- Compatibility with internal combustion engine technologies
- Potential for full lifecycle decarbonisation when derived from renewable sources
Van Oord’s decision to equip its flagship vessel with methanol dual-fuel engines sends a clear message: the future of offshore construction and maritime logistics will be built on green fuel platforms.
About Van Oord
Van Oord is a leading international marine contractor specializing in dredging, infrastructure, and offshore energy projects. With over 155 years of experience, Van Oord has established itself as an innovative partner for clients worldwide, creating the infrastructure for the world of tomorrow.
The increasing global population, rising demand for energy, and the need for enhanced port facilities and climate-resilient coastal areas present significant challenges. Van Oord addresses these challenges by providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the needs of today and anticipate the demands of the future.
As a Dutch family-owned company, Van Oord is characterized by visible leadership, a long-term vision, and a strong financial foundation. The company makes substantial investments in people and equipment, ensuring the continuity and growth of its business. Van Oord’s team comprises dedicated, entrepreneurial professionals who are passionate about water and technology. Through cooperation, openness, and honesty, they build mutual trust and respect, achieving the best possible results.
What sets Van Oord apart is its marine ingenuity. This core value defines what the company does, how it operates, and what makes it unique. As a passionate, smart, and resourceful international marine contractor, Van Oord believes in the power of teamwork and is committed to being One Team, worldwide.
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