UK: Seacat Services Deepens European Offshore Wind Deployment

Seacat Services, the class leading offshore wind transfer vessel operator, has successfully completed workboat charters and crew transfer contracts while operating in three European flag states.

The milestone marks the first time that a UK charter firm that solely operates DNV-class certified vessels, has under taken work in three different European nations. A feat that has been achieved thanks to ensuring that all the crew and vessels are fully certified to operate internationally.

This commitment to quality substantially bolsters the UK’s skills, services and wider export potential within European offshore wind.

Throughout the past six months, the firm has had vessels deployed at Meerwind, Germany, at Anholt Offshore Wind Farm, Denmark, at Greater Gabbard and West of Duddon Sands, located on the East and West UK coasts, respectively.

Currently Seacat Endeavour and Seacat Reliance are both working on the Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm. One vessel is assisting with special projects, while the second undertakes operations and maintenance work to support the wind turbine manufacturer, Siemens.

Meanwhile Seacat Vigilant and Seacat Resolute have been based in Helgoland, Germany, for five months – working on the Meerwind project. Here, Seacat Vigilant has only recently moved off a 24-hour shift pattern, following her ongoing support of the cable lay spread. The vessel continues to work on the project, supporting the cable termination and rigging teams.

Following the completion of her secondment, Seacat Resolute has now been redeployed to West of Duddon Sands, where she will work for eight months alongside her identical 24-metre twin sister, Seacat Defender.

“As the crew transfer market matures, and as we see more and more ambitious offshore wind energy projects being developed, there’s an inevitable flight to quality,” said Ian Baylis, Managing Director, Seacat Services.

 “This, combined with a growing desire from developers and utilities to deploy workboats that have a proven European operating track record, experience and a fully audited offering, underlines the increasing need for workboat firms to refine established operating protocol and re-invest.”

“Since our inception Seacat Services has invested heavily in developing a fleet of DNV-class certified vessels that can weather the toughest sea conditions. Now, this significant commitment is beginning to really benefit our growing customer base, enabling the firm to support multiple clients in multiple European flag states.”

Headquartered in Cowes, Isle of Wight, Seacat Services DNV-certified in-house integrated management system, enables every workboat to be fully audited at any stage throughout their contract and deployment.

For developers, this provides real time data to assist in the construction and maintenance of projects, while providing total peace of mind for the safety of contractors, technicians and engineering crews.

In January 2014, Seacat Services will launch its sixth DNV class-certified crew transfer vessel, Seacat Volunteer.

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Press release, August 5, 2013; Image: