UK: Seacat Services to Launch Six High-Specification 19m WFSVs

Seacat Services, an offshore wind farm vessel operator, recently revealed its plan to launch a fleet of six high-specification offshore wind farm vessels, designed to operate throughout the year in international waters. These six vessels, all to be built by South Boats Special Projects Ltd, will be up to 24m in length and conform to DNV’s 1A1 HSLC R2 Windfarm Service 1 standard.

This international scope is a significant benefit that provides an important boost for European manufacturers, utilities and developers looking to tap into lessons learnt on early UK offshore wind initiatives.

The first of two vessels Seacat Endeavour is currently undergoing extensive sea trials off the south coast. She will be joined by sister vessel Seacat Reliance in June and both have already been contracted for use by cable manufacturer, Nexans. As part of the agreement, the vessels will complete a five-month charter at the Anholt project, developed by DONG Energy and located off the coast of Denmark. ‘Seacat Endeavour’ will attend ‘Seawork 2012’ in Southampton between the 22nd and 24th of May 2012, before heading to Denmark.

Seacat Endeavour

Builder: South Boats Special Projects Ltd

Design: South Catamaran 19m WFSV

Capacity: 12 pax, 2/3 crew

Construction: Aluminium

Length Overall: 21.1m

Waterline length: 19m

Max Beam: 7.4m

Draft: 1.2m

Lightship weight: 42 tonnes

Certification: DNV +1A1 HSLC R2

Windfarm Service 1 and UK MCA,

Cat 1, 150nm from Safe Haven

“As the vessel transfer industry develops and evolves with offshore wind farms moving into deeper water, developers, manufacturers and utilities have placed an increased focus on the safety of their technicians and turbine technology support crews. For vessel owners and operators, it is critical that we continue to respond to the needs of the market and work in collaboration with industry certification bodies, in order to raise the bar and set new industry benchmarks in the future,” commented Ian Baylis, managing director, Seacat Services.

Currently four vessels of the initial Seacat Services order are in late stages of development and build. Seacat Resolute and Seacat Vigilant are due to undergo initial sea trials in August and September, while Seacat Defender and Seacat Volunteer are scheduled to enter the water in January and May 2013 respectively.

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, May 23, 2012; Image: seacatservices