CTruk handover at Seawork
CTruk Boats formally handed over the first MPC22 offshore wind farm service vessel (WFSV) built at its River Colne production facility, and it was named by new owner CWind at Seawork this week.
CWind Artimus, named by Jemma Eaton, commercial director of CWind, is the first of the two latest boats being built by CTruk for CWind, augmenting a fleet of more than 20 already in service.
CTruk chief executive officer, Andy White, said: “This latest vessel extends our long association with CWind. The MPC22 is a proven workhorse in the offshore wind sector and provides unique operational flexibility through our patented moveable wheelhouse and flexible deck pod system. While other operators need months to refit and reconfigure their vessels, CTruk vessels can achieve this in just eight hours.”
He pointed out that this has the obvious advantage of allowing operators to employ the boats in multiple roles, which has been a key feature in ensuring that they are in constant demand.
The MPC22’s versatility comes from its ability to transfer 12 technicians, or it its 72m² of deck space can be used for equipment transfer, carrying cranes, transfer systems and amphibious rescue vehicles such as the CTruk Avenger. The conversion is made by simply removing the passenger pod.
The vessel comprises a 22m composite twin-hull with 7.6m beam and 1.25m draft. It has a 20 tonne flexible payload capability and the ability to carry 24,000 litres of fuel, important when it comes to the ability to service round 3 zones.
It also features the Volvo IPS system for optimal bollard pull and service speeds, significantly increasing fuel efficiency.
By Anne-Marie Causer
