A new heavy-lift crane intended for use on a giant Scottish offshore wind project has collapsed.
Deme Offshore’s Orion vessel, which was slated to work at EDP Renewables 100-turbine Moray East Offshore Wind Farm, suffered a crane collapse on Saturday.
The firm described it as a “serious accident”.
The vessel was due to arrive at Global Energy’s Nigg Energy Park in the Cromarty Firth over the next couple of weeks.
The incident happened in Rostock, Germany, while undergoing load tests.
A few people are understood to have suffered minor injuries.
Deme Offshore said in a statement: “A serious accident has occurred today on board of offshore installation vessel ‘Orion 1’ at the occasion of and during crane load tests.
“The vessel is under construction and owned by Cosco (Qidong) Offshore Co.
“The vessel is moored at the quayside at the Liebherr construction yard in Rostock, with the crane undergoing several load tests.
“Reportedly, a few persons suffered minor injuries.
“The vessel is expected for delivery to DEME NV in the second half of May 2020.
“The crane has suffered significant damage, while damage to the crane and the vessel will be investigated in the upcoming days and weeks.”