Tuesday 2 December 08 - 00:42
 

Ship & Boat Building

'Scirocco' Blows Into Seawork

South Boats newly formed Special Projects Division raced to successfully complete their new wind farm support catamaran Scirocco in time for it to appear on the floating pontoon at Seawork 2005.

The 14m aluminium craft is a first of class South Catmaran 42/13m alloy Wind Farm Service Vessel (WFSV) and has been designed, fabricated and outfitted specifically for the marine renewable energy support services sector. It is the smaller of two new aluminium vessels to be added to the South Boats portfolio. Scirocco was built for Danbrit Ship Management Ltd of Grimsby UK and has been working on the Kentish Flats Wind Farm off Whitstable.

The vessel is fitted with an island wheelhouse with flying bridge and an observation deck atop. The scantlings have been substantially constructed by South Boats taking into account how the vessel will be used and will provide safe boarding for engineers even in sea conditions with a wave height of 2m. It is fitted with a central helm, sophisticated electronic navigation equipment and Kobelt electronic steering. The wheelhouse is fitted with KAB seating for 12 passengers plus crew. On deck is a Palfinger Marine PK4501M foldable hydraulic crane.

Power is provided by twin Scania DI9 55M marine diesels rated at 420 hp each and driving two UltraDynamics UltraJet 376 waterjets with electro-hydraulic control systems. The vessel was designed for a 24 knot sprint speed and 18 knots in service. The entire engine room<$>has been custom designed to maximise the vessel’s manoeuvrability and control whilst minimising the noise and vibration sometimes associated with aluminium craft. Catamaran hull forms are ideal for waterjet propulsion, the extra lift provided and the reduction in wetted area reducing overall hull resistance and allowing the waterjets to operate at optimal efficiency. The sophisticated Kobelt multi-station electronic steering, with throttle and UltraJet bucket controls directed towards the helmsman’s position, is designed to provide independent control over each waterjet’s steering and position, selected by various control modes. With waterjets there is no running gear exposed to damage from contact with wind farm structures and the units can be easily serviced without dry docking the boat.

MJ Information No 21120

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