The vessel joins a fleet of 18 similar boats commissioned by South Boats Special Projects to be used by Offshore Wind Power Marine Services Ltd, of Conway, North Wales. Each vessel provides logistical solutions and engineer transfers to offshore wind farm builders and operators throughout European waters.

The vessels are required to operate in unpredictable and sometimes hostile conditions at sea. Personnel transfers can take place in wave heights exceeding 3m. There is an ever increasing demand for faster, more fuel efficient wind farm service vessels without compromising the need for crew comfort, which can be achieved via the reduction of engine and boat noise.

Halyard has custom designed the engine and generator exhaust systems for Offshore Progress and all of South Boats’ previous wind farm service vessels. The effect is achieved by stainless steel risers and oval lift silencers. The engine room and jet spaces are lined with Halyard’s Maritex noise insulation materials, which reduce even further any transference of noise on board. The transom is fitted with Halyard’s stainless steel thru-hull exhaust flappers, which reduces the risk of sea water backing up into the exhaust system.

Chris Champion, joint managing director at Halyard said, 'We are absolutely delighted that South Boats have once again chosen Halyard for this project. The crew and passengers will inevitably be facing tough conditions going to and from the offshore wind farms. As with the other vessels, Offshore Progress will be fast, comfortable and quiet, which any hard working crew deserves.'

Halyard won the coveted Spirit of Innovation Award for their patented Resonator Silencer in the category of the most outstanding product in the Innovations Showcase at Seawork 2007. In 2006, Halyard’s design innovation was recognised by the presentation of the prestigious Queen’s Award for Innovation. This was for the company’s design and development of a new range of exhaust silencers for large powerboats.