France: Navalu Gets Order from Enviroserve to Build Two Wind Farm Catamarans

UK wind farm service provider Enviroserve Ltd announces that it has ordered two 24 metre wind farm catamarans, from French work boat builder Navalu. The first boat will be named Sea Fox in keeping with the theme on Enviroserve’s other vessels. The first vessel is to be launched in January 2013.

Working in close collaboration with Enviroserve, Navalu’s in-house design team have been able to produce a a crew boat, designated the NxS 24, with an innovative solution to the demands of windfarm service operators, who require speed, good sea-keeping, low fuel consumption, and maximum reliability.

Designed to MCA category 1 and Bureau Veritas Classification for Wind Farm Service Ships, the Navalu NxS 24 is best described as a 4 x 4 marine utility vehicle. The collaborators mean this quite literally as the Navalu NxS 24 is powered by four separate engines driving four independent propulsion lines. Even with an engine, or drive line failure, the NxS 24 will be able to operate effectively while maintaining a reasonable speed. The design goals were very simple: Reliability, Simplicity, Strong, Economical.

Navalu and Enviroserve discussed the realities of operating a crew vessel in the real world and in direct contrast to the current trend for ever more sophisticated, and therefore more expensive designs, with often unreliable systems, the NxS 24 can best be described as “back to basics”.

The back to basics concept can be seen throughout the design. For vessels operating in areas with limited access to sophisticated boat repair centres it is important to be able to repair or replace parts easily so the systems are designed for reliability and ease of maintenance. The power plants are rugged Doosan 4V158TI engines producing 600 bhp each. The power is transmitted through Doosan reduction gears to straight shaft drives which can be easily changed. The propellers can be easily replaced.

The fine entry displacement hulls are easier on equipment and crew and most importantly allow for economic operation. It is clear to most in the industry that claims of high “sprint speed” are irrelevant in most load and sea state conditions. Most crew boats operate in the range of 19 to 23 knots. A vessel designed to plane within a certain speed range is inefficient at a lower speed range. The Navalu NxS 24 is efficiently and economically driven up to it’s maximum speed.

The Nxs 24 is designed to remain on location offshore for long periods of time. She sleeps 12 in four cabins, has a full galley, head and shower, and ample stowage for personal gear. The wheelhouse has the usual array of electronics. Special attention was paid to power conservation with details such as LED for both interior and exterior lighting as well as search lights. In crew transport mode she will carry 12 technicians on suspension seats. The main cabin will have plugs for computers and features flat screen televisions.

Just under 24 metres in length with a 9,7 metre beam, the NxS 24 can carry 12 tonnes of cargo. Deck equipment includes a Guerra M 60 hydraulic crane, and a transom A frame with 2 ton lift capacity. The design allows for multiple use and in fact Navalu prides itself on the ability to design and build to a client’s requirements. “We don’t ask our client’s to adapt their needs to our boats”, says Marc de Rochefort, “We design and build boats that our client’s need.”

Enviroserve Manager Ben Stebbing says, “We were convinced that the wind farm market was ready for a return to common sense, and we were frustrated by the inability to find a combination of designer and builder that was ready to really listen to us. Navalu responded right away and the communication throughout the evolution of the design has been perfect.”

Marc de Rochefort, Export Sales Manager for Navalu says, “For our first wind farm project, we could not have asked for better clients. They have seen what works, and what doesn’t, and they knew exactly what they wanted. We appreciate that Enviroserve recognized our commitment to building reliable vessels at a competitive price. It has been a great collaboration.”

Navalu, a team of dedicated professionals delivering real world solutions, brings 30 years combined experience building high quality, functional, reliable, durable aluminium work boats, built to Bureau Veritas and other classification societies, delivered on time, at competitive prices.

Enviroserve was established in 2003 by Mr. Paul Lines, a former fisherman and entrepreneur. Realising that the renewable energy market would be soon be in need of diverse craft to fulfil the demanding nature of offshore wind farm construction. Paul Lines, with manger Ben Stebbing bring their years of common-sense experience to provide their clients with cost-effective, reliable service with a personal touch.

Now with over 30 employees and 9 vessels in service, Enviroserve has the strength and knowledge to assist you in what ever your marine project needs.

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Offshore Wind Staff, February 24, 2012; Image: Navalu