New Seacat launched at Seawork
The newly built Seacat Defender was officially launched by the round the world yachtsman, Mike Golding, on the pontoons at Seawork this year – its been called the Rolls-Royce of windfarm service vessels.
Its UK based builder, South Boats IOW Ltd and operator, Seacat Services Ltd, both from the Isle of Wight decided to exhibit jointly at the show this year coming together to showcase what is quickly becoming a hub of renewables expertise over on the Island.
Ian Bayliss, managing director, Seacat Services, said to Maritime Journal: “It made sense to partner at the show because we have a strong working relationship. Seacat is involved in aspects of the vessels design and development including its layout and fitting – even down to where the plug sockets should go. All of our vessels have been built by South Boats.”
Seacat ordered two more 24m South Catamarans from South Boats back in May which are numbers five and six in Seacat’s fleet.
This is all part of the strategy to build the fleet up to between 10 and 12 vessels. It’s a fine balance between having a vessel available at short notice for customers and making sure the rest of the fleet is always busy. Seacats has its eye firmly on securing Round 3 windfarm contracts.
“We are targeting the big brutal windfarms with our vessels. They are built for comfort, longevity and minimum maintenance. When you’re working 90 miles offshore you need a vessel with power and redundancy to prevent downtime.” Mr Bayliss added.
He pointed out that Germany is in dire need of these vessels because of a shortage in the market and he added that the company is “flirting with the idea” with clients about building an even larger vessel for the market.
Seacat Defender meanwhile, is off on its first job shortly, it will be working an eight month contract for ScottishPower at the West of Duddon Sands windfarm, off the Cumbrian coast.
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