Off-shore areas are optimal for wind power due to more reliable winds and smaller aesthetic problems. Service and maintenance in the maritime environment however is more challenging. The conditions can be very demanding at sea and it makes it difficult for the service crew to access the turbines safely. Especially the forceful waves, make docking hazardous.
Meriaura and Mobimar announce today a new type of crew transfer vessel. It is an energy efficient trimaran hull based vessel. The vessel has an innovative gripping mechanism, that ensures safe docking to the turbine in a significant wave height of 2,5 meters.
The multi-purpose MOBIMAR 18 WIND is also designed for ice-conditions and towing tasks. Some of the benefits of the trimaran hull are:
Very good fuel economy
More stable and wider work deck compared to mono-hull vessels of the same size, excellent seagoing properties and its pitch, roll and sway are soft even in harsh waters. Because of these properties it is also suitable for oil recovery, survey and transportation of passengers.
The length of the vessel is 18m and it is 8,5 m wide. The rating of the main engine is 750kW and cruising speed 20 knots.
The hull is made of aluminium and it is ice-strengthen. The accommodation is spacious for 12 service technicians. During the construction, we will also consider using hybrid-technology, which enables even more energy-efficient operation and completely emission free operation in port areas.
Meriaura’s parent company Aura Mare Ltd has placed an order at Mobimar Ltd for the first crew transfer vessel which will be delivered in the spring 2012.
