UK-based Wind Energy Marine has placed an order for two wind farm support vessels (WFSVs) with the France-based shipbuilder Piriou.
The two 27.5-metre catamarans will be built by Piriou Vietnam and are expected to be delivered in spring of 2018 when they will start operating in the North Sea.
The WFSVs are based on a design by BMT Nigel Gee, are BV classed, and MCA CAT 1 certified under the new HS-OSC code.
The vessels are certified to carry up to 24 technicians and three crew members. With a top speed of 27.5 kn, the WFSVs will provide transfers within a range of 150 nautical miles offshore.
”These two orders make us very satisfied, especially as they are the first two vessels of a very new client. Support our customers in their development projects in making them benefit from our experience of the windfarm sector is a part of our DNA,” Vincent Faujour, CEO of Piriou, said.
The two vessels have a cargo capacity of 20t and can carry up to three 10-foot containers.
Andrew Bagshaw, Managing Director of Wind Energy Marine, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with PIRIOU in what we expect will be a long term collaboration. Working with PIRIOU allows us to utilise our joint significant expertise and knowledge of servicing the offshore wind farm construction industry. Over time we plan to grow our fleet of vessels, which will be equipped with the latest vessel management systems designed to improve safety and vessel reliability.”