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Wind turbine installation vessel “Green Jade" uses 8 ORC-based waste heat recovery systems for 500 kW power and CO2 reduction.
Green Jade wind turbine installation vessel uses 8 ORC-based waste heat recovery systems for 500 kW power and lower CO2.

Waste Heat Recovery Systems on a Wind Turbine Installation Vessel

Written by: Jeroen Berger •

A new and innovative wind turbine installation vessel, named “Green Jade”, was developed by the Belgian dredging company DEME and the Taiwanese shipbuilder CSBC. This sustainable offshore vessel plays a crucial role in offshore wind energy in Taiwan. In addition to a crane capacity of 4,000 tons and DP3 technology for optimal stability and precision, this vessel is equipped with eight ORC-based waste heat recovery systems, supplied by our partner.

Design Criteria

This ship was designed with a strong focus on reducing CO2 emissions to meet stricter shipping regulations, such as the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). This indicator measures carbon intensity per ton-kilometer and encourages more efficient solutions. Moreover, the design helps significantly reduce the project’s ecological footprint. Thanks to the waste heat recovery systems (WHRS), heat that would normally be lost through exhaust gases is efficiently recovered and converted into electricity. This increases operational efficiency, promotes sustainability, and supports an energy-efficient propulsion system.

Challenges and Solutions

One challenge in efficiently recovering and utilizing waste heat from the engines was ensuring that the systems function effectively under varying load levels. Thanks to the flexible design of the ORC-based technology, they can adapt optimally to these fluctuations. This is crucial for the dynamic operating conditions on board.

Of the four installed dual-fuel engines, each is equipped with two waste heat recovery systems. When all engines are running, these systems collectively generate more than 500 kW (net) of electricity from the engines’ waste heat. This not only increases the vessel’s energy efficiency but also significantly contributes to reducing CO2 emissions.

Looking for more inspiration? Visit our page showcasing featured projects to explore concrete examples of how ships can operate more efficiently and sustainably, not only with waste heat recovery systems but also through other cutting-edge technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

A wind turbine installation vessel is a specialized ship used for the construction, installation, and maintenance of offshore wind farms. These vessels are equipped with heavy lifting cranes and advanced stability systems, enabling them to safely transport and install large and heavy wind turbine components, such as tower sections, rotor blades, and nacelles.

Thanks to their design and technology, wind turbine installation vessels can also operate under challenging weather conditions, which is essential for efficient and reliable offshore operations.

An ORC system (Organic Rankine Cycle) harnesses waste heat from engines to generate electricity. The system uses an organic working fluid with a low boiling point, allowing it to evaporate at lower temperatures.

The waste heat warms the working fluid, causing it to evaporate and drive a turbine under high pressure. This turbine converts thermal energy into mechanical energy, which is then transformed into electricity. Through this process, an ORC-based system efficiently recovers energy from waste heat, contributing to lower emissions and more sustainable energy use on board ships.

Waste heat recovery plays a crucial role in reducing emissions by minimizing energy waste. By reusing waste heat, less fuel is needed to generate the same amount of energy. This directly leads to lower CO2 emissions and increases energy efficiency on board ships.

Additionally, this process contributes to more sustainable maritime operations and helps ships comply with stricter environmental regulations, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) targets for emission reduction. Waste heat recovery thus not only supports cost savings but also the transition to greener and more eco-friendly shipping solutions.

A waste heat recovery system can generate a considerable amount of energy. The smallest module delivers a net output of 100 kW. For larger ships with higher energy demands, there is an optimized module capable of producing up to 200 kW of net energy. The exact performance depends on factors such as engine power and the amount of available waste heat.


In the case of the “Green Jade” wind turbine installation vessel, multiple modules have been combined. As a result, the waste heat recovery system can produce more than 500 kW of net energy when all engines are fully operational. This makes the system ideal for vessels with high energy needs and contributes to more efficient energy use, lower emissions, and more sustainable maritime operations.

Yes, in many cases it is possible to integrate an ORC-based waste heat recovery system into existing vessels. This depends on factors such as technical specifications, available space, and the existing energy infrastructure on board.

Before installation, a thorough technical analysis is carried out to determine whether the ship is suitable for the system. The design can then be adapted to the ship’s specific requirements, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

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