UK: Knights Offshore Support Takes Delivery of CTruk’s OWSV

New business venture Knights Offshore Support (KOS) has taken delivery of its first CTruk 20T MPC offshore wind support vessel (OWSV), Coastal Knight, which will soon join offshore wind industry service provider CWind’s growing charter fleet.

Owner Paul Knight considers CTruk’s multi-role composite cats to be ‘the vessels of the future’ and hopes that the 18.5m Coastal Knight, will be the first of a fleet of KOS workboats to ultimately support offshore wind farm construction and operations around the Scottish coast. He is already in advanced discussion with the Brightlingsea-based designer and builder for a second craft.

“Offshore wind is creating opportunities in Scotland and Knights Offshore Support will be well placed to service future projects with these fuel-efficient, robust workboats,” said Mr. Knight, who bought his first fishing vessel seven years ago and has owned several since as part of a successful commercial operation.

Explaining why he chose CTruk’s popular 20T design for Knights Offshore Support, Mr. Knight commented: “For me the fuel economy of these lighter boats stands out as key in an industry that is under pressure to cut costs. That coupled with the flexibility of the modular deck pods and moveable wheelhouse will mean we can offer a range of services at competitive rates. We are delighted with Coastal Knight, which has been finished to exceptionally high standards.”

Designed to meet the complex demands of the offshore wind support sector, the CTruk 20T MPC comfortably accommodates 12 technicians for transfer in its crew pod and can also reconfigure to carry a substantial payload on fore and aft decks of 37m² and 34m² respectively.

CTruk managing director Ben Simpson said: “We are delighted to deliver Coastal Knight and wish Knights Offshore Support every success. Paul’s belief in the merits of our innovative product range is great to see and we look forward to working with him again soon.”

Coastal Knight is the 14^th composite offshore wind support vessel to leave CTruk’s production facility since the company launched in 2010. She was named by Paul Knight’s partner and 16-month old daughter during an informal ceremony in Brightlingsea.

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Press release, September 26, 2013; Image: CTruk