Maritime Analysis
Journey of the Brave-Tern: From Crane Mishap to Enhanced Offshore Capabilities
By VesselRate AI Editor
Jun 22, 2026
Brave-Tern, the 132-meter jack-up vessel operated by Fred. Olsen Windcarrier AS, has recently departed from Ferrol, marking a significant milestone in its operational capabilities. After almost nine months undergoing essential upgrades, the vessel finally set sail on December 9, 2024, towards Esbjerg, aboard the Norwegian tug 'Skandi Mercury'. The departure follows a turbulent period that included a crane accident and extensive refitting efforts aimed at enhancing its functionality for offshore wind farm operations.
The crane accident occurred on November 24, 2024, when Brave-Tern's large deck crane struck the side of a stationary portal crane at Navantia's Ferrol shipyard during a maneuver in the port basin. The collision caused the shore-side crane to tip over into the water; fortunately, no injuries were reported. This incident delayed the vessel's scheduled upgrades but did not deter the commitment to enhance its capabilities.
Prior to this incident, Brave-Tern had begun a comprehensive retrofit project, particularly focused on replacing its crane systems to meet upcoming demands in wind turbine installation. The first phase, which involved engineering and material procurement, was completed in 2023, setting the stage for further enhancements once the vessel arrived at Navantia's facilities in January 2024.
In parallel to these developments, the vessel underwent a major refit at Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam where its crane was significantly upgraded. A notable feature of this upgrade was the addition of a 20-meter section to the crane's main boom, which elevated its height to 120 meters. This allowed the crane to accommodate the installation and maintenance of the next generation of wind turbines, a critical capability amid the growing demand for green energy solutions.
As Brave-Tern embarks on its journey to Esbjerg, it carries with it the lessons learned from the challenges faced in Ferrol and Amsterdam. This endeavor not only signifies recovery from a tumultuous incident but also heralds a new chapter for the vessel, poised to play a vital role in the renewable energy landscape.
The crane accident occurred on November 24, 2024, when Brave-Tern's large deck crane struck the side of a stationary portal crane at Navantia's Ferrol shipyard during a maneuver in the port basin. The collision caused the shore-side crane to tip over into the water; fortunately, no injuries were reported. This incident delayed the vessel's scheduled upgrades but did not deter the commitment to enhance its capabilities.
Prior to this incident, Brave-Tern had begun a comprehensive retrofit project, particularly focused on replacing its crane systems to meet upcoming demands in wind turbine installation. The first phase, which involved engineering and material procurement, was completed in 2023, setting the stage for further enhancements once the vessel arrived at Navantia's facilities in January 2024.
In parallel to these developments, the vessel underwent a major refit at Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam where its crane was significantly upgraded. A notable feature of this upgrade was the addition of a 20-meter section to the crane's main boom, which elevated its height to 120 meters. This allowed the crane to accommodate the installation and maintenance of the next generation of wind turbines, a critical capability amid the growing demand for green energy solutions.
As Brave-Tern embarks on its journey to Esbjerg, it carries with it the lessons learned from the challenges faced in Ferrol and Amsterdam. This endeavor not only signifies recovery from a tumultuous incident but also heralds a new chapter for the vessel, poised to play a vital role in the renewable energy landscape.
Based on these news reports:
- Brave Tern Departs Ferrol Following Crane Incident (2024-12-10)
- Incident Involving Crane on 'Brave Tern' at Navantia Shipyard in Ferrol (2024-11-25)
- Fred. Olsen Windcarrier’s Brave Tern Successfully Completes Crane Refurbishment at Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam (2018-08-16)