A British boatbuilder has launched a new class of crew transfer vessels for the offshore wind industry based on expertise from naval architect Incat Crowther
A British boatbuilder has launched a new class of crew transfer vessels for the offshore wind industry based on expertise from naval architect Incat Crowther.
Wight Shipyard Co (WSC), which is best known for building fast ferries, is breaking into the offshore wind market with the launch of its Vortisea brand.
It says the Vortisea design is “specifically geared” towards European and UK windfarms, particularly those further offshore, where operators need flexibility, speed and operational efficiency.
WSC chief executive Peter Morton said, “There is still a niche to be filled. We will be targeting all operators, but particularly those looking for a high-quality vessel built in Europe.”
WSC has a long-established pedigree in the ferry-building sector but this is the first time the yard has ventured into the renewables sector.
“Incat Crowther is the best partner for this brand of vessel and we’re no stranger to working with them,” added Mr Morton.
Incat Crowther’s parent company in Australia has designed a number of offshore and windfarm vessels, including two multipurpose crew transfer vessels built for industry leader Ørsted.
Incat Crowther UK managing director Ed Dudson said Vortisea was designed to meet the latest standards in UK, German and Danish requirements.
The catamaran hull design is said to be exceptionally efficient, constructed from lightweight marine grade aluminium, resulting in a vessel with low fuel consumption. It is initially available two sizes, a 27 m and 32 m unit, with a breadth of 9 m and 10 m, respectively. The vessel has multiple machinery options, including hybrid.
Operating speeds in excess of 30 knots are achievable depending on the machinery package selected. Installation of a quad engine and propulsion package has the advantage of offering excellent redundancy.
WSC is no stranger to working with Incat Crowther. In February, a collaboration between the two companies delivered a multi-million-pound export order for a 250-passenger river ferry to Twin City Liner in Vienna, Austria, and June 2019 saw the launch of two 37-m fast ferries due for export to Ultramar in Cancún, Mexico.
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