NOV Secures Contract for Next-Generation GustoMSC NG-16000X Wind Turbine Installation Vessel for Hanwha Ocean

The jack-up vessel offers enhanced lifting and carrying capacities, with delivery expected in 2028.

Render of an GustoMSC NG-16000X Hanwha vessel on a peaceful oceanscape with clouds in the sky

Feb 11, 2026

NOV has been awarded contracts, signed in mid-2025, for the design and supply of critical equipment for a next-generation wind turbine installation jack-up vessel, based on its proven GustoMSC NG-16000X design. This milestone project will see the construction of the advanced installation vessel by Hanwha Ocean, with delivery scheduled for the second quarter of 2028.

This marks the fourth NG-16000X to be built, following the initial US-built version and two units for Cadeler – both of which are being built by Hanwha Ocean. Tailored to meet Korea’s future demands in offshore wind installation, the NG-16000X offers enhanced carrying and lifting capacities, with longer legs designed to enable operations in greater water depths. Notably, the design is prepared for alternative fuel adaptations, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and ammonia.

The jack-up vessel will feature the proprietary GustoMSC Rack & Pinion jacking system with a variable speed drive. A robust, integrated solution ensuring high performance, safety, and longevity across hundreds of jacking operations. The regenerative power feature of the jacking system allows energy generated during operations to be fed back into the vessel’s electrical system, maximizing efficiency. In addition, the vessel will be equipped with a 2,600-ton leg-encircling crane, ensuring readiness for future offshore wind market requirements in Korea.

This project further solidifies NOV’s role as a trusted technology partner in the addition of alternative energy sources, supporting offshore wind initiatives with reliable and future-ready solutions.