Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has secured a contract to supply water jets for four new wind farm support vessels to be built by South Boats for offshore company MPI.
The 19 metre long catamarans will be used to transfer people and cargo to the growing number of offshore wind farms around the coast of Europe. South Boats, located in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, is the market leader in the design and build of this new type of vessel.
Andy Brett, Rolls-Royce, Marine Sales Manager – UK , said: “South Boats is the leading builder of wind farm support vessels and we’re delighted that Rolls-Royce has again been selected to provide leading edge water jet technology to them. The performance of our water jets, combined with a responsive control system, is proving a popular choice for cutting edge windfarm support vessels, which require high power and good manoeuvrability to hold position in rough seas.”
The South Catamaran 19m GL WFSV vessels will each be fitted with a pair of Rolls-Royce FF600 water jets. South Boats have Rolls-Royce water jets on order to power a total of 12 vessels.
MPI, which will operate these latest boats, also operate three large wind turbine installation ships, which feature a range of Rolls-Royce equipment including azimuth thrusters, diesel engines and winches.
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Source: Rolls-Royce, May 23, 2012; Image: Seawork