The UK-based high-speed craft and aluminium ship builder Wight Shipyard Co Ltd (WSC) is breaking into the wind farm support vessel (WFSV) market with the launch of its new Vortisea brand.
The Vortisea brand, designed in collaboration with Australia’s Incat Crowther, is specifically geared towards European and UK wind farms, particularly those further offshore, WSC said.
Ed Dudson, Managing Director at Incat Crowther, said that the WFSV Vortisea vessel has been designed to meet the latest standards in UK, German and Danish-Flag state requirements.
“Probably the most important design feature of the vessel is its market-leading wave height capability for transfer and transit, for this reason it was important to take a step forward in traditional WFSV design,” Dudson said.
The catamaran hull design is constructed from lightweight marine grade aluminium, so it’s an environmentally friendly build resulting in a vessel with low fuel consumption, WSC said. It is initially available two sizes a 27m and 32m, with beams of 9m and 10m, respectively.
The vessel has multiple machinery options (CPP / FPP / Waterjet / IPS), including hybrid. Operating speeds in excess of 30 knots are achievable depending on the machinery package selected, according to WSC.
“It’s fitting that being so well established in the fast ferry sector we have chosen to enter the WFSV market. There is still a niche to be filled. We will be targeting all operators, but particularly those looking for a very high-quality vessel build in Europe,” said Peter Morton , CEO, WSC.