Seacat Services Setting Stage for First High Speed Utility Vessel

Cowes-headquartered offshore energy support vessel operator, Seacat Services, is preparing to launch its first High Speed Utility Vessel (HSUV), Seacat Enterprise.

The 27m South Boats IoW catamaran is a new category of vessel for the offshore wind market, designed to provide both crew transfer and logistical support for extended periods at sea, according to Seacat.

Currently in build ahead of her scheduled launch in January 2017, Seacat Enterprise is the latest product of a long-term collaborative R&D programme with boat builder South Boats IoW and Alicat Marine Design.

Seacat says that the new vessel has a number of structural modifications and features that enable her to carry up to four 20-foot containers, along with a full complement of 24 safety-trained personnel and six crew.

A new stern fender system allows cargo to be unloaded from the aft deck via crane, increasing the range of options available for the transfer of key equipment at port and at sea. This system is coupled with an all new dynamic bow fender design.

Seacat Enterprise’s increased fuel capacity is said to allow the vessel to remain operational for extended periods between port calls.

“Seacat Enterprise is a new breed of support vessel for the offshore energy sector,” said Ian Baylis, Managing Director, Seacat Services.

“As our first HSUV, she combines the core attributes that are essential for long-term logistical operations in the deep water construction environment. To put this in more simplistic terms, she is small and nimble enough for high-speed crew transfer and big enough to adopt a supply vessel role. That said, we’re determined to make sure that the word ‘utility’ doesn’t evoke a ‘jack of all trades’ image that suggests we have compromised on the core ingredients that form the basis of each of the class-leading vessels in our fleet.”

Similar to the existing vessel in Seacat’s fleet, Enterprise employs the same soft-mounted wheelhouse structure as her sister vessels, alongside further adaptations to boost passenger comfort and minimise noise and vibration.

In addition, fender and access systems will be familiar to technicians, ensuring ongoing safety and productivity in the testing offshore environment, the company said.

Seacat Enterprise will be available for charter from February 2017.