UK: South Boats Delivers Two 19m WFSVs to Seacat Services

Seacat Services Ltd. is a new company founded by Ian and Nia Baylis who have extensive offshore and class experience.The company has significant investment and support from a Dutch private investor with extensive offshore experience and are now building a fleet of vessels to meet the requirements and demands of the rapidly growing offshore wind sector.

‘Seacat Endeavour’ and ‘Seacat Reliance’ will be followed by four further 24m wind farm service vessels in 2012/13.

‘Seacat Endeavour’ and ‘Seacat Reliance’ have an LOA of 21m, Beam of 7.4m, Draught of 1.1m and lightship displacement of 43 tonnes. The 19m WFSV is a development of the smaller 18m and features increased fuel efficiency, higher performance, higher deck cargo including container mounts and lashing points, provisions for secondary access systems and a soft mounted passenger saloon and bridge to increase comfort (and reduce noise and vibration) on the longer and more arduous conditions experienced further offshore.

Powered by twin MTU 10V2000M72 1200mhp diesel engines coupled to Ultra Dynamics UJ575 water jet units, the vessels achieved sprint speeds of 27.5 knots and are capable of cruising at speeds in excess of 22 knots with full tanks and a full complement of 12 passengers. One feature of the new design and a benefit of the full bow concept is only a 2 knot drop off in performance with 10 tonnes of cargo on the forward deck. The vessel has an approved stability booklet to carry up to 16 tonnes of cargo, 12 on the forward deck and 4 on the after deck. The vessels feature anti-noise and vibration paint coatings, double glazed windows, remote air intakes and outlets, noise and vibration absorbent sole panels and isolated side and overhead panelling, which in conjunction with the soft mounted superstructure, attached with only eight mounts, make the passenger saloon and bridge near silent at cruising speeds. The vessels are built under survey and certified to DNV +1A1 HSLC R2 Wind Farm Service 1 and MCA Workboat Code Category 1 for operation on any UK and European offshore wind farm.

Both vessels feature numerous systems including fuel transfer capability to supply offshore generators, a pressure washer to wash down boat landings and ladders, integrated through raft anchor recovery system and spare hydraulic capacity for deck cranes and secondary access systems. Internally the vessels feature 12 sprung seats, a large galley, large mess seating area and plenty of vessel and O&M spares lockers. All saloon furniture, including seats, are mounted to a track system enabling swift re-arrangement or removal of furniture to suit specific roles and tasks. Another benefit of the soft mounted super-structure are the new ‘electrical cabinets’ fitted at the aft end of the lower saloon affording excellent access to electrical items.

The upper bridge is accessed via a stairway from the aft saloon and feature a fully integrated ship control, monitoring, navigation and communications system across the front of the bridge. The specially designed console is based on 19” racking with all processors and equipment each allocated a pull-out drawer to enhance serviceability and maintenance, which all help reduce breakdowns and down time. Both vessels have two independent control systems which enable them to remain fully operational in the event of a control system failure. These features have been designed and integrated following extensive analysis to increase serviceability, providing clients with reduced down time and greater earning potential.

 Ian Baylis, Managing Director of Seacat Services is quoted as saying: “Our first two vessels have successfully commenced operations on Anholt Offshore Windfarm in Denmark where they have been very well received. The team at Seacat Services would like to say a huge thank you to all involved at South Boats and their sub-contractors for delivering to us two extremely capable, very seaworthy, high quality, fit for purpose wind farm support vessels. We are all very excited about the next ones!’

South Boats continues to build 25 wind farm crew transfer vessels per annum and the new generation 13m, 16m, 17m, 19m, 24m and 28m designs are now populating the range. All of the new generation vessels feature modular superstructures, integrated systems, options for secondary access systems and new bow fender system.With 5 years experience building 88 wind farm vessels for 15 operators and having worked on over 25 projects, there is no doubt that South Boats catamarans remain the vessel of industry choice.

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Offshore WIND staff, August 15, 2012; Image: south boats