First UM Wave Craft contract signed
Umoe Mandal AS is to build the first UM Wave Craft – the next generation offshore wind service vessel – for Umoe AS.
The new vessel concept has been developed entirely by Umoe Mandal and is based on the same Surface Effect Ship technology as the Oksøy and Skjold class vessel, where up to 80% of the vessel weight is lifted by an air cushion.
Developing this idea, the company plans to use the same air cushion to reduce wave induced motion when accessing offshore wind turbines.
It says this will allow for the transfer of personnel and cargo in larger waves than possible with current solutions.
The technology also offers high vessel speed of over 40 knots, where the air cushion damps motions, providing a smooth ride.
Umoe’s development of the vessel began in 2011 and has been funded by the Carbon Trust’s Offshore Wind Accelerator, the Norwegian Research Council, RFFAgder and Innovation Norway.
Umoe Mandal says following performance model tests, it anticipates a need of more than five vessels a year for the European offshore wind market.
The vessel is scheduled for delivery in January 2015.
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