CWind has placed an order for a second CWhisper SWATH, an innovative 19.5m composite workboat designed and built by Essex-based CTruk.
CWind Astute, which features CTruk’s patent-applied moveable wheelhouse and pod system, launched in August last year and underwent sea trials before starting work on contract to Siemens on the London Array Offshore Wind Farm.
Peter Jørgensen, CWind managing director, commented, ‘The SWATH significantly increases the wave height limits for technician transfer, keeping weather days to a minimum. That and an impressive measured fuel consumption of 100 litres per hour at 20 knots made her an effective vessel. As we expand our services to other offshore wind farms around the UK and Europe, we are keen to offer these benefits further afield, and a second SWATH will enable us to do that.’
The SWATH hull form, designed to cut through the waves rather than ride over them, dramatically improves transit comfort even in rough seas, an important factor for technicians who face a tough commute and need to arrive in fit shape to scale the turbines for work.
CTruk is refining the design to optimise performance and sea keeping for this second-in-class CWhisper SWATH, with delivery expected at the end of November 2013.
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Press release, May 15, 2013; Image: ctruk