BMT Nigel Gee WSV sea trials completed
The first in a series of advanced 26m windfarm support vessels (WSV) designed by UK-based BMT Nigel Gee (BMT) has successfully completed sea trials.
The vessels, developed from BMT’s well-established range of WSVs, are the largest BMT-designed vessel built to date. Built by Strategic Marine, Njord Odin is also the first to be fitted with a quadruple installation of the Volvo Penta IPS system, with the forward-facing, twin counter-rotating propellers and individually steerable pods under the hull. The IPS system is said to offer high propulsive efficiency combined with good manoeuvrability, dynamic positioning, and strong bollard pull.
“Our designs are well proven with an excellent reputation for seakeeping and fuel economy,” said Ed Dudson, technical director, BMT Nigel Gee. “It is great to be providing these vessels together with Strategic Marine to Njord Offshore. Njord Odin is the first of our quad IPS designs and we are looking forward to seeing this new fleet of Njord Vessels joining the current fleet which includes eight, 21m BMT designed vessels.”
Njord Odin is 26.3m in length with a beam of 9.3m with each of the four Volvo IPS900 units delivering 515 kW. Specifically designed for working further offshore, the vessel has a fuel capacity of 29,000 litres and fresh water capacity of 2,900 litres.
During sea trials, Njord Odin achieved a speed of in excess of 27 knots with 20 tonnes of deadweight and with the same deadweight will cruise at 25 knots with the engines running at 85% of their maximum continuous rating.
The vessel also has low noise levels thanks to the resiliently mounted superstructure and selection of propulsion machinery, while the patented Active Fender System means the vessel also benefits from significantly reduced impact forces when docking with boat landings.
Visit BMT Nigel Gee at this year’s Seawork International on stand A195.
By Rachael Doyle
