Monday 19th May 2014, Cowes – Class-leading offshore energy support vessel operator Seacat Services today launches its latest 24-metre British built wind farm service vessel (OESV), named Seacat Ranger.
With the move to larger crew transfer vessels in the offshore wind industry, and continuing development of DNV GL class certification standards, the launch of Seacat Ranger reflects the evolution of vessel design, build and industry innovation.
As workboat operators continue to learn from operational deployment, Seacat Services longstanding partnership with British boat builder South Boats IoW has enabled the firm to develop and refine a proven and well-established design.
For the launch of Seacat Ranger – the latest 24-metre DNV GL class-certified vessel to be built in the UK – incremental build improvements include a new bow and fender design that enhances stability when the vessel is pushing onto the wind turbine foundation. Further modifications include additional crew loading and access space near the bow, to help accommodate the engineer’s equipment.
Accommodating 12 wind farm technicians and 3 crew, the aluminum-hulled catamaran is propelled by twin Rolls Royce water jets and is capable of carrying 20 tonnes of equipment – 15 tonnes forward and 5 tonnes aft. With a sprint speed of just under 30 knots, Seacat Ranger will be deployed for operational use on offshore wind farms throughout Europe.
“As the European offshore wind market continues to evolve with a need for larger vessels and more stringent guidelines, we are constantly looking at ways in which this evolution can be incorporated into the design of our workboats,” said Ian Baylis, Managing Director, Seacat Services. “We now have one the largest crew transfer vessels ready for deployment to European offshore wind projects, which, with her latest bow and fender design should make the transportation of engineers and equipment a safer and increasingly comfortable process.”
Sea trials for Seacat Ranger begin immediately. Once complete, the vessel will be join the existing Seacat Services fleet for operational use and deployment across a number of UK and European offshore wind farms.
Prior to active service, Seacat Ranger will be exhibited at Seawork 2014 in Southampton from the 10th – 12th June 2014.
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