European wind contract for Oz boatbuilder
Australian boatbuilder, Strategic Marine is breaking into Europe with a new contract to build eight 20 metre offshore wind farm crew service vessels for operators, Njord Offshore.
Strategic Marine is also setting up a service network in Europe to look after the new vessels post build.
All of the vessels will be built at the company’s Singapore shipyard, which means that Njord can closely supervise and be involved in the build project. The first vessel will be delivered later this year and the others will follow through to the first quarter of 2013.
Tom Mehew, commercial director at Njord Offshore said to Maritime Journal: “There is a huge demand for windfarm vessels in Europe and the UK – we needed these vessels to help us take advantage of these opportunities.”
The vessels have been designed by ship designers BMT Nigel Gee and will be powered by twin MTU engines capable of speeds in excess of 25 knots. Mr Mehew added: “This is one of the main reasons we chose to partner with Strategic Marine, the strength of the design. BMT has a lot of experience with catamarans and is used to meeting the design challenge for enhanced operation in all manner of sea conditions.”
An exemplary feature of the new vessels is the design based on “a well proven hull form that incorporates excellent fuel economy and superior seakeeping”, according to the designers.
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