Seacat Services, a leading offshore wind farm vessel transfer operator, will, by the end of 2013, have invested over £15 million in manufacturing and jobs on the Isle of Wight. This entire investment has been achieved in less than two years and represents a significant cash injection into the local economy.
The investment includes the commissioning and manufacture of four specialised, class-leading workboats, with a further two vessels due for delivery before the end of 2013.
However, perhaps more importantly, the investment in the island marks the first important step for the firm, as it seeks to build out the way in which it supports international renewable energy developers and utilities looking to rapidly bring plans for future operational offshore wind farms to life.
As part of the investment to date, the firm currently employs six full time staff based at its Cowes headquarters, with a further 22 staff undertaking shift work on the four workboats that are operating in the North Sea.
Currently all vessels have active charters booked for 2013 and will be working on offshore wind farm projects that are either under construction or are already generating electricity, off the UK, Danish and German coasts.
“With four workboats already operational and in the water, it’s fantastic to see that our investment in the island is creating significant benefits both for the immediate locality and for the wider offshore wind energy space,” said Ian Baylis, Managing Director, Seacat Services.
“However, with two further vessels commissioned and due to enter operations before the end of the year, the investment and growth in the locality doesn’t end here. Indeed, as we grow, our challenge is to continue to ensure that we invest in our people and our equipment, to ensure that we meet the exacting standards of our clients.”
He continued: “Currently two offshore wind farms are undertaking the necessary permitting, consultation and consent process, for the UK south coast. If approved, both projects will offer a further boost to the Isle of Wight and it’s workforce – particularly since the community is well-placed both geographically and in terms of it’s unique skill-set, to benefit.”
In 2013 Seacat Services will launch and commission two new 24-metre vessels, focused exclusively on the European offshore wind market. Seacat Defender will be launched in the Spring, with Seacat Volunteer due for launch later in the summer.
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Press release, March 13, 2013; Image: Seacat Services