The third CTruk 20T multi-purpose catamaran to join the expanding Offshore Turbine Services fleet is now operational on the London Array.
Admiral P joins sister workboats Cardinal P and Captain P, all resin-infusion composite vessels designed and built by CTruk at its base in Brightlingsea, Essex.
Offshore Turbine Services’ aim was to enter and make their mark on an increasingly competitive offshore wind support market. Vessel choice was therefore a key consideration, with the requirement being for an innovative design that would keep the safety aspect of offshore wind turbine work at the forefront, whilst also meeting the complex needs of the industry.
Nick Bright, OTS Operations Director, has a commercial fishing background and was a firm advocate of aluminium catamarans, but having visited CTruk and evaluated the offering, Nick recalled, ‘I was sceptical about composite vessels, having spent most of my working life on aluminium boats, but I returned to our base in Hereford a total convert to the numerous benefits of CTruk’s lightweight and robust composite construction’.
CTruk workboats are up to 40% lighter than their competitors, making them extremely fuel efficient. This important advantage, together with a short build time and the savings made with their multi-task functionality, means that these innovative vessels are enjoying great success in what was previously an aluminium-dominated market.
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Press release, September 25, 2012; Image: ctruk