Demand surge for Twin Axe windfarm boats

The Scottish company was the first customer for the pioneering Damen Twin Axe vessel, which was introduced just over two years ago.

Marineco’s two new additions will be delivered in 2014. These vessels are identical to its fourth FCS 2610 ‘Marineco Thunderbird’, which is considered the “ultimate offshore wind support vessel” by the Scottish company.

Siemens has been deploying Marineco Thunderbird off the west coast of England, where it is used to perform installation and maintenance work at the Walney Offshore Windfarms.

The vessel’s superstructure is spacious, offering sleeping accommodation in four two-person cabins, which makes it possible for the crew to stay on site for longer periods of time.

Marineco UK wanted the Damen vessels to provide the versatility to fulfil four functions: to provide fuel supplies, carry out survey work, carry out diving and support work, and to be able to clean monopoles.

Casper Vermeulen, Damen sales manager Europe says: “The Twin Axe FCS 2610 provides a very comfortable ride even in challenging sea states with significant wave heights of 2.5m and above.

“These recent Twin Axe orders, where we sold four in one week, are proof that the concept is working for the industry. Although these four vessels have not been delivered yet, they have all been chartered out already.”

Marineco UK has sold its first FCS 2610, Shamal, to Sure Wind, a British company specialising in the German market. This company was in turn so delighted with the Damen vessel’s performance that it decided to place an order for two new vessels. Sure Wind will take delivery of its first new FCS 2610 in the next few weeks and the second in February next year.

Due to the high demand for the Twin Axe FCS 2610, Damen builds for stock and, from the end of December, four more vessels will be available.

Classed by Bureau Veritas, the FCS 2610 operates under the Workboat Code, Category 1. Depending on the sea state, the maximum speed is 26 knots with a range of 1,200 nautical miles. The vessels are capable of docking in extreme weather conditions, transferring personnel safely in wave heights of 2.5m.