UK based Njord Offshore specialises in supply services for the offshore windfarm sector and Njord Curlew is the most recent arrival from Strategic. Although only established in 2011, Njord Offshore has brought in a wealth of experience from the offshore windfarm and workboat sector in addition to the capability of its parent company Norse Management UK, a vastly experienced manager of larger ocean going vessels.
Strategic Marine operates principally in the offshore sectors, producing crew boats, support vessels, passenger ferries, and high speed patrol boats. It recently entered the wind farm support vessel sector, where it sees significant growth opportunity.
“We are diversifying and expanding our capability to provide state of the art service vessels for the offshore windfarm sector globally, said Strategic Marine’s executive director Ron Anderson. “Our decision to do so stems from dialogue with colleagues in the renewables industry and to observing greater and greater worldwide demand for such project installations.”
Strategic has teamed with specialist ship designer and engineering consultant BMT Nigel Gee to design the vessels for Njord Offshore. This class of vessel has been designed as a development of BMT Nigel Gee’s fast ferry hulls, featuring excellent seakeeping characteristics and fuel efficiency in an industry where cost reduction and passenger comfort is key. A very fine entry flares smoothly to deck level. The bow profile provides low resistance and low vertical motions in moderate seas whilst ensuring the bow has adequate lift in following seas.
The six vessels, managed by Njord Offshore and to be deployed in Europe’s growing offshore windfarm sector, are 21m, 18 dwt crew transfer catamarans powered by MTU engines rated 965 bhp each at 2,250 rpm and driving fixed pitch propellers for speeds in excess of 27 knots and cruising at 24 knots. The choice in propellers is down to increased bollard push for increased stability for crew transfers at the turbine base to increase the safe weather window for transfers and fuel efficiency.
With varying (and increasing) standards of build quality requirements throughout the industry, all of Njord Offshore’s vessels are being built to DNV with IAI HSLC R2 Windfarm Service 1 notation. The company has also received an interim Document of Compliance from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, demonstrating its commitment to manage the vessels under the rules of the ISM Code.
Njord Offshore commercial director Tom Mehew said: “Whilst this isn’t a statutory requirement for vessels under 24m, it sets a minimum standard, with independent verification, for the management of these vessels which are required to operate in the dangerous conditions that the offshore environment brings.”
Safety
With safety in mind, the 21m vessels are strengthened to receive turbine access systems such as the Osbit Maxcess, which can be easily fitted or removed to the open, clear foredeck – depending on the charterer’s requirements. The latest life saving equipment on all Njord boats includes two RFD Surviva 15 man SOLAS liferafts and immersion suits for all onboard. In addition to an aft swim platform, a ladder is built into a rescue zone port and starboard for an easy climb by a conscious survivor or MOB helper. A Marcus Lifenet MOB device is stowed within the bulwarks in addition to a 3.6m Matesaver and an MOB davit with SWL of 180kg has a position in either rescue zone to recover an unconscious person in the horizontal position.
Each vessel is equipped with two TVs on which are shown both Njord and client’s safety videos during each departure before being switched to the satellite TV or CCTV mirroring.
The safety as well as comfort of those onboard is addressed by Cleeman Nautic Star seating systems with Type Approval by Germanischer Lloyd to HSC Code, in excess of current Flag and DNV standards for windfarm vessels.
Deck equipment
The design provides a foredeck area of 37m2 with a maximum loading of 2.0 t/m2 whilst the aft deck proves and area of 22.5m2 and will take 2.5 t/m2 (1.0 t/m2 over the engine hatches). The decks are configured to take two 10’ containers or loose cargo and feature numerous lashing down points recessed into the deck to avoid trip hazards.
A 6.5 t/m Palfinger Marine deck crane is installed on the port side of the foredeck for material and survey equipment handling. A one tonne winch with a 9m extension optimises over the side working with towed equipment. There is also a salt water pressure washer system and a fuel transfer system stored on the foredeck.
The elevated wheelhouse provides an excellent view of both the working foredeck, transfer area and above for clear communication with personnel on the turbines.
Each vessel, with a crew of 2-3, can accommodate 12 passengers and provide showers, multimedia capacity and a full galley.
“As part of Strategic’s plans to grow further as a provider to the offshore windfarm markets, we have also established a robust agreement for ship maintenance services with Testbank Ship Repair in the UK, Ron Anderson added.
“This partnership demonstrates our commitment to the European offshore wind market. It ensures the vessels will have long and successful lives after delivery.”
The value of Strategic’s order book for the windfarm service sector is currently USD $30m and rising.
Technical specification:
Length overall: 20.6m
Beam: 7.4m
Service draft: 1.4m
Power: Two MTU 8V2000 rated 965 bhp each
Speed (sprint): 27 knots
