The UK-based offshore energy support vessel operator Seacat Services has added Seacat Weatherly to its fleet.
Following her completion at the Diverse Marine shipyard in Cowes and successful sea trials, Seacat Weatherly heads straight on to her first charter contract at a major UK offshore wind project, the operator said.
Seacat Weatherly is the first next-generation Chartwell 24 catamaran designed by naval architect Chartwell Marine to enter operational service.
The vessel is said to be the culmination of a long-term collaboration between Seacat Services, Chartwell Marine and shipyard Diverse Marine, and the product of an industry-wide drive to refine the formula for offshore wind vessel support.
The first of a two-vessel order, Seacat Weatherly features advanced engine and hull design, a large foredeck, and safety features such as step-free access, sliding handrails, and unrestricted visibility from the wheelhouse, Seacat Services said.
“Seacat Weatherly is a fine addition to the fleet, capitalising on all of the core attributes that have defined the Seacat Services offering to date. Refining vessel designs is vital to meeting the changing needs of the offshore wind sector and Seacat Weatherly ensures that our crews can bring maximum operational value to our customers from day one,” Andrew Calderbank-Link , Operations Director at Seacat Services, said.
Seacat Weatherly’s sister vessel, Seacat Rainbow , is currently under construction at the Diverse Marine yard in Cowes and is scheduled for acceptance in September.
Ben Colman , Director at Diverse Marine, said: “It is testament to the resolve and versatility of our team – and the strength of our ongoing collaboration with Seacat Services and Chartwell Marine – that we’ve successfully brought this vessel build to fruition despite current supply chain disruption and working restrictions. This is a huge collective achievement and bodes well for the future of British boatbuilding and naval architecture as we set a new standard for the global offshore wind market.”