Whilst debate continues about the most efficient way to serve offshore wind installations further out to sea, CTruk has been quietly forging ahead with a new offshore wind support support vessel (OWSV) designed to safely deal with rougher seas, longer transits and tougher assignments whilst not neglecting the comfort of passengers and crew.
Based on a proven workboat design concept, the CTruk EVOC22 is a 22m composite twin-hull with 7.5m beam and 1.25m draft. This innovative workboat will have a 20 tonne flexible payload capability and the ability to carry 24,000 litres of fuel, an invaluable function in servicing round 3 zones. CTruk’s patented moveable wheelhouse and flexible deck pod system will allow the vessel to fulfil multiple roles; potentially transferring 12 technicians in ultimate comfort one day and removing its passenger pod to make use of 72m² of deck space for equipment transfer the next, carrying cranes, transfer systems and amphibious rescue vehicles such as the CTruk Avenger.
CTruk’s hard-won experience and dedication to incorporating client feedback is serving the company’s in-house design team well. New features on this vessel include a protected controllable pitch propeller (CPP) system which will give optimal bollard pull and service speeds, significantly increasing the already renowned fuel efficiency of CTruk’s lighter weight composite catamarans and yet still allowing the boat to take the ground and dry out at low water. Various engine options are available and the inclusion of bow thrusters will give greater manoeuvrability.
Designed and built to Bureau Veritas (BV) classification rules, the vessel will join offshore wind solutions provider CWind’s charter fleet, where the increased capacity of this larger OWSV is eagerly awaited.
CWind’s Business Development Director Bruce Clements commented:
“ The CTruk EVOC22 builds on the versatile design features of the successful CTruk 20T MPC, which has now worked on 13 offshore wind farms and had an outstanding level of availability on contract in the past year. This 22m workboat will take CWind’s fleet forward into the next phase of offshore wind park construction. Our clients will benefit from the craft’s high and flexible payload capacity as well as smooth and comfortable personnel transfers, a factor which takes on greater significance as distance to work increases.”
The first CTruk EVOC22 (EVOC stands for Efficient Versatile Offshore Catamaran) is currently in production at CTruk’s Essex yard and due for delivery in September 2014. Presented to the market with CWind’s proven service package and fleet management experience, she promises to be a game-changer for offshore wind construction, operations and maintenance further out to sea.
Press release, April 2, 2014; Image: CTruk