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CWind Invests in Largest Crew Transfer Vessel to Date


Nearly 30m Catamaran Will Facilitate Work at Wind Farms Located Further Offshore

Colchester, 16th February 2017, CWind, a leading provider of services to the offshore wind industry, announced today that it has invested in the Company’s largest crew transfer vessel to date.  Newly named as CWind Phantom, the 27.4m catamaran can hold 20,000 litres of fuel and has a 20 ton cargo capacity, making her suitable for longer stretches of work at wind farms located further from shore.  This investment demonstrates the Company’s ability to evolve with the changing market.  CWind’s fleet now totals 18, with access to additional cable installation and maintenance vessels via CWind’s parent company, Global Marine Systems Limited.

“Our experience on the world’s largest offshore wind farms has helped us build a diverse range of vessels that meet the changing needs of our valued clients,” said Lee Andrews, Managing Director for Power at CWind.  “Transporting technicians quickly, safely and comfortably to and from sites, even in tough weather conditions, is critical to offshore project performance.  The CWind Phantom is designed to exhibit reliability, superior fuel efficiency, high transfer height during operations and a large, flexible payload capability, all crucial specifications for the harsh conditions far from shore.  Highly seaworthy and with impressive seakeeping ability, the CWind Phantom is also extremely manoeuvrable for a vessel of her size, with a proven and reliable propulsion combination.”

Built in 2015, the CWind Phantom can carry up to 12 passengers, with berths for eight people. The accommodation is fully air-conditioned and heated and offers all the amenities required to remain at sea for extended periods, including a dedicated meeting space.

Featuring an aluminium hull with 8m beam width and 1.4m draft, CWind Phantom can carry containers in a combination of configurations, while an on board crane can lift 1.1 tons at 5m outreach.  The jet-driven vessel is powered by two MAN D2862 main engines and is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 27kn.

CWind took ownership of the vessel on 1st February.  Following a mini-refit, the CWind Phantom will be available to start work on 1st March and already has significant client interest.

Mr Andrews concluded, “There is currently significant demand for vessels with the ability to work further offshore and we are already seeing client interest in the CWind Phantom.  Ultimately, this investment enables us to provide a more integrated offering for both the construction and operations and maintenance phases of an offshore wind farm project.”

About CWind

CWind is an Integrated Service Provider (ISP) that supports the wind industry by providing on-demand services, as well as 360° solutions to ensure the success of our clients’ projects.  We’re focused on helping you to achieve your key objectives, and are constantly investing to ensure we have the right tools and plenty of talented people to carry out a wide range of tasks.

CWind has a proven track record of delivering cost-effective solutions.  And we are equiped with everything you’re likely to need, including fuel-efficient and modular vessels, proven project solutions, highly experienced turbine technicians and fully accredited training services.  At CWind, we can deliver stand-alone services and support or packaged services, wherever and whenever needed.  CWind is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Global Marine Systems Limited.
www.cwind247.com

About Global Marine Systems Limited

Global Marine Systems Limited, an operating subsidiary of HC2 Holdings, Inc., is a leading provider of engineering and underwater services, responding to the subsea cable installation, maintenance and burial requirements of its customers around the world.  With a fleet of vessels and specialised subsea trenching and burial equipment, the company has a 165-year legacy in deep and shallow water cable operations.
Global Marine’s primary markets include telecommunications, renewable energy and power, oil and gas, as well as deep sea research.  Global Marine holds the RoSPA Order of Distinction in recognition of 17 consecutive years of outstanding occupational health and safety results.  Global Marine has two longstanding joint ventures in China, S.B. Submarine Systems and Huawei Marine Networks, and acquired the offshore renewables specialist CWind in 2016. For more information on Global Marine, please visit our website at www.globalmarinesystems.com

About HC2 Holdings, Inc.

HC2 Holdings, Inc. is a publicly traded (NYSE MKT:HCHC) diversified holding company, which seeks opportunities to acquire and grow businesses that can generate long-term sustainable free cash flow and attractive returns in order to maximize value for all stakeholders.  HC2 has a diverse array of operating subsidiaries across seven reportable segments, including Manufacturing, Marine Services, Utilities, Telecommunications, Life Sciences, Insurance and Other.  HC2’s largest operating subsidiaries include DBM Global Inc., a family of companies providing fully integrated structural and steel construction services, and Global Marine Systems Limited, a leading provider of engineering and underwater services on submarine cables. Founded in 1994, HC2 is headquartered in New York, New York.

For information on HC2 Holdings, Inc., please contact:
Andrew G. Backman – Managing Director – Investor Relations and Public Relations
HC2 Holdings, Inc.
ir@hc2.com
www.hc2.com