Seacat Services, offshore energy support vessel operator, launched its latest 24-metre British-built South Catamaran, named Seacat Ranger.
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 joining 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 10 th – 12 th June 2014.