Offshore crew transfer vessel Windcat 22 is returning back to the UK following a refit in the Netherlands where she was lengthened by three meters, Windcat Workboats, owner and operator of the vessel, said.
Prior to the departure the Windcat 22 also underwent sea trials.
The additional length offers a large foredeck with a carrying capacity of 9 tonnes. The Windgrip system was fitted to the vessel as well, allowing for safer transfers in harsher conditions by removing the possibility of the bow dropping away suddenly and leaving the technician suspended on a fall arrest system. The system also gives fuel savings and reduces CO2 emissions as reduced power is needed to complete a transfer, the company says.
Additional tanks have been fitted on the vessel for extra capacity whilst refuelling generators on turbines during the construction phase or for supplying fresh oil to turbine gearboxes and receiving the old oil whilst oil changes take place. “The sea keeping has been improved and speed of 26.5 knots has been maintained. The vessel gives a very versatile platform and adds an extra class of vessel to our fleet that will give charterers a very fuel-economic 22 meter vessel at an affordable charter price,” Neil Clarkson, Managing Director at Windcat Workboats, said.
Images: Windcat Workboats