Esvagt Mercator is the latest update of ESVAGT’s service operation vessel (SOV) concept. The vessel entered service in December 2017 on a 10-year contract, servicing 50 turbines at the Nobelwind offshore windfarm and 55 turbines at the Belwind 1 windfarm, offshore Belgium, for MHI Vestas.
ESVAGT chief commercial officer Søren Karas said: “Esvagt Mercator is the latest development in our SOV concept and an example of the innovation made in cooperation with MHI Vestas. Collaborating and partnering in finding new, innovative solutions helps us on the road to a lower cost of renewable energy.”
The vessel was built at the Cemre shipyard in Turkey to a Havyard 831 SOV design and has a length of 58.5 m, a beam of 16.6 m and a draught of 5.5 m. It was designed with energy and fuel efficiency in mind and features a passive anti-roll system. Esvagt Mercator carries an ESVAGT STB 7B Safe Transfer Boat and an ESVAGT STB 12A Safe Transfer Boat to allow transfer of technicians and spare parts.
In accordance with ESVAGT’s SOV concept, Esvagt Mercator acts as a mothership, fitted with onboard workshops, storage for spare parts and office facilities, providing accommodation for up to 40 technicians. It has a range of transfer methods to allow speedy intervention on turbines when required.
MHI Vestas regional service director described the benefits Esvagt Mercator has brought to operations at the Belwind 1 and Nobelwind windfarms: “It is a bigger vessel enabling us to service two parks from one vessel. We have experienced an improvement in logistics, a better working environment, and ideal warehousing.”
ESVAGT’s fleet currently numbers 43 vessels, with another SOV in the pipeline for 2019.
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