‘- New offshore energy support vessel, Seacat Weatherly, to be built locally by Diverse Marine, AMC on the Isle of Wight, providing regional investment boost
– Seacat Services is the first operator to adopt Chartwell Marine’s next-generation Chartwell 24, a vessel design that will set new benchmarks for reliability, safety and performance in the international offshore wind markets
Cowes, Isle of Wight, April 9th – Class-leading offshore energy support vessel (OESV) operator, Seacat Services, has signed a multi-million-pound contract to build a new next-generation catamaran for deployment in the offshore wind sector.
Seacat Weatherly, designed by Southampton-based naval architect Chartwell Marine, will be constructed by Isle of Wight firms Diverse Marine and Aluminium Marine Consultants (AMC) in Cowes, providing a boost to the renewable energy supply chain on the South Coast. The contract includes an option for a further vessel, which would see Seacat Weatherly joined by a sister vessel in the Seacat Services fleet.
With unprecedented demand for specialist vessel support as large-scale offshore wind farms are brought online throughout the UK and Europe – and emerging opportunities in international markets such as the USA and Asia – the industry has been calling for a new generation of OESV designs that meet the evolving requirements of project development and operation. Capitalising on lessons learnt from the most effective vessels currently in operation, and refining this formula, is an essential requirement as the industry scales up.
Scheduled for completion in March 2020, Seacat Weatherly is set to be the first Chartwell 24 catamaran to enter service. The Chartwell 24 vessel design has been developed by Chartwell Marine off the back of ten years of offshore wind vessel design and experience, alongside extensive dialogue with high profile stakeholders, including Seacat Services and leading wind farm owners and turbine manufacturers.
For Seacat Services, the vessel – which can accommodate 24 industrial personnel, alongside 4 crew – will directly support its commitment to deliver the highest standards of safety performance, technical availability and ultimately ‘time on turbine’ for offshore wind technicians.
Seacat Weatherly will boast one of the largest foredecks on the market, enhancing her cargo-carrying capacity, and has been optimised for safety, with designated walkways, handrails and safety sliding rails positioned for safe, repeatable crew transfer. Skippers will benefit from a unique wheelhouse configuration that provides total control and complete visibility during complex logistical and crew transfer operations.
These innovations have been introduced without compromising on vessel performance, with Seacat Weatherly’s hull and engine configuration designed to provide superior transit speed and manoeuvrability, alongside high bollard push and frictional holding force – both of which are critical attributes for vessels ‘pushing on’ to offshore wind turbines and other infrastructure.
Perhaps most significantly, the vessel design will offer high levels of operational familiarity for crews and technicians, meaning that Seacat Weatherly will fit seamlessly into the existing 14-strong Seacat Services fleet of class-certified OESVs.
Ian Baylis, Managing Director, Seacat Services said: “Despite ongoing uncertainty in Westminster and Brussels, the offshore wind sector has repeatedly demonstrated its capacity to get on with the job in hand – and, frankly, faced with rising demand for high quality vessel support, this was an order that couldn’t wait.”
“The Chartwell 24 is the vessel the market has been calling for. It not only responds directly to our needs as a vessel operator, but also ticks all the boxes for our offshore wind farm customers. Seacat Weatherly will help us collectively set new benchmarks for safety, availability and performance.”
Andy Page, Managing Director, Chartwell Marine, added: “The Chartwell 24 is a vessel design that has been developed by the industry for the industry, with involvement throughout the offshore wind supply chain. It’s therefore fitting that the team building Seacat Weatherly brings together some of the most experienced and talented individuals in the UK maritime sector.”
“We look forward, not only to the deployment of Seacat Weatherly into UK and European waters, but also to exporting this exciting product overseas as international offshore wind development picks up pace.”
Ben Colman, Managing Director, Diverse Marine, concluded: “On the Isle of Wight, we have a world-leading heritage in the build of offshore wind support vessels. Working alongside AMC, we’re now excited to be pioneering the next generation of workboats as the offshore wind market expands in the UK and globally. More importantly, we’re delighted to support ongoing employment opportunities on the South Coast.”
For full vessel specifications, please visit: http://www.chartwellmarine.com/portfolio/
About Seacat Services
Seacat Services is the class leading wind farm support vessel operator, located in Cowes, UK. With a current fleet of fourteen boats that conform to the highest operational and safety standards, the company operates internationally and works directly with developers, utilities, manufacturers and support services businesses to provide fast and efficient offshore personnel and equipment transfers.
For more details please visit – www.seacatservices.co.uk
About Chartwell Marine
Chartwell Marine is a pioneer in next-generation vessel design. Headed up by Andy Page, a reputed naval architect with an industry-leading track record designing award-winning high-speed vessels, Chartwell Marine supports ambitious boat builders and vessel operators around the world with specialist, independent design and consultancy services.
To find out more about Chartwell Marine, please visit: http://www.chartwellmarine.com/
About Diverse Marine
Located on the Medina River in Cowes, Diverse Marine works with some of the world’s leading naval architects to produce vessel designs that meet the requirements of their end-users. Its constantly expanding range includes patrol, interdiction & military craft, pilot boats and fishing boats, all constructed to the very highest standards of build quality and performance. Diverse Marine has the capabilities and expertise to undertake routine maintenance, repair and refit work and new build projects. With extensive workshops, parts warehouse and a reliable supply chain, Diverse Marine’s highly skilled and experienced teams are able to repair, maintain and refit most types of vessels.
To find out more please visit: https://www.diversemarine.co.uk
