Mainstay Marine Delivers 20m WFSV to Turbine Transfers

The boat building specialist Mainstay Marine Solutions has delivered the 20m vessel Porth Nefyn to transfer vessel operator Turbine Transfers.

The Porth Nefyn will work principally on offshore European wind farm sites between the Baltic and Irish Seas.

The vessel is an extended version of the existing 18m CE class vessel Porth Eilian. It has been designed and built to DNV class category 2 certification for operations up to 60nm offshore, with a 25-year service life.

The 50-tonne aluminium BMT Nigel Gee-designed wind farm support catamaran, which has completed extensive harbour and sea trials is capable of transporting up to 12 turbine technicians at a speed of up to 25 knots.

Mark Meade, chief executive of Holyhead-based Turbine Transfers, said: “The addition of the Porth Nefyn to our fleet offers us a strategic advantage, in that we have range of vessels that are specifically suited to different local weather conditions, cargo types and financial requirements, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

“It will be operating initially on a German wind farm accessed from the port of Eemshaven in the Netherlands.”

Stewart Graves, Managing Director of Mainstay Marine, said: “With our longstanding experience of building rugged and reliable workboats, Mainstay has been the ideal supplier to provide a vessel capable of operating in demanding conditions with a 25yr service life, as required by Turbine Transfers.

“The marine renewable industry is an exciting sector and with our facilities having direct access to deep water and our location being on the confluence of the Celtic Sea, Irish Sea and Bristol Channel, it positions us perfectly to support it.”

Image: Mainstay Marine