Piriou moves into marine renewables
French shipbuilder, Piriou, is moving into the offshore windfarm support market and has entered into a contract with naval architect, BMT Nigel Gee to build offshore windfarm support vessels (WFSVs).
“The similarities in the requirements of offshore energies enables us to make good use of the know how acquired in building the crew boats in the last quarter of a century, while adapting to the special characteristics of windfarms, particularly in Europe,” said Pascal Piriou, chairman and CEO, Piriou.
Two SEA PROVEN design vessels are currently being constructed.
The vessels have been designed with a catamaran hull to provide optimal stability and comfort when transporting technicians to windfarm operating zones.
They will also feature an ergonomic bridge, dual hydrojet propulsion system for flexible manoeuvrability, and an efficient fender system on the bow of the vessel to allow transfer operations at the foot of the wind turbines.
Piriou will also offer In-Service Support (ISS), which allows shipowners to guarantee the availability of their fleets.
Piriou says, with this, it hopes to win a market share in the rapidly growing marine renewables market in Europe.
The 21m WFSV19 and 27m WFSV24 will be available for operation in Europe at the end of 2013.
Piriou will be showcasing its marine renewable projects at this year’s Seawork Exhibition, taking place at ABB’s Port of Southampton from 25 to 27 June 2013.
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