New wind farm support vessel for Excel Marine Services

This 17.5m aluminium catamaran is the 16th Catfish catamaran, the design of which was specifically developed for the UK and surrounding waters. The vessel is also the 6^th Catfish Crewcat supplied into the fast growing offshore windfarm industry. Vulcan is Excel Marine’s fourth catamaran in as many years, with a further two boats (another 17m and 15.5m) on order from ABC. The 15.5m craft will be a new design high speed response aluminium cat.

The Vulcan project was conceived in December 2008, with the boat designed to be a truly multi-role craft capable of fulfilling the many tasks required in the renewable energy field, such as crew transfer and additional offshore support roles such as coastal survey.

The wheelhouse design and specification was fully discussed and agreed before the aluminium cutting commenced in mid-May 2009. Sea trials were completed in February of this year and the category C boat sailed from ABC’s Pepe Boatyard to its first contract at Barrow in Furness, a transit of 28 hours on its maiden voyage.

Because the boat is to be used for both the transport of crew and cargo, and has an 8,250kg crane fitted, stability testing and man lifting equipment was tested and certified and load marks applied. This gave a cargo carrying capacity in excess of 15 tons with the ability to carry a 20ft container forward of the wheelhouse.

Vulcan is built in aluminum to 17.5m LOA, with a 7.5m beam and 1.4m minimum draft. The vessel is powered by two Caterpillar C18 885mhp engines coupled to Twin Disc MGX 5145A QuickShift gearboxes of 1.8:1 reduction, with Twin Disc EC 300 electronic controls. The package delivers a sprint speed of 26 knots. Twin Sidepower 25hp hydraulic thrusters are fitted in each hull, along with the joystick controlled twin ram electro hydraulic steering which makes the vessel extremely maneuverable. Also, it can be driven from three separate control stations. Vulcan is fitted with a Fisher Panda 6.5 kW silenced generator which supplies 220V power for the ship, and a further 11.5kVa air cooled generator to run welders and other tools should a client require. The vessel has a fuel capacity of 4,000 litres and a further 2,000 litres bunkering capacity.

The vessel has a 68 sq/m working deck with a load capacity of over 15 tons. Deck equipment includes a Grove M977 crane with SWL of 750kg at 7m, built in deck tie down points, Spencer Carter 1.75ton capstan and high pressure fire hose mounted on a self winding spool. The deck itself is covered with hard wearing high density rubber granule providing excellent non-slip characteristics as well as protection for the deck.

The starboard hull has been fitted out for tool storage and accommodation while the port hull has been fitted with the generators, pumps and other equipment.

The spacious lower wheelhouse has been fitted out for comfortable passenger transport, with ample storage of personal effects and large storage cupboards for the transport of spare parts and vital equipment. There is a fully equipped galley area and KAB suspension seats for passengers and crew.

The recent increase in offshore activity in terms of both oil and gas exploration and marine renewable energy demands has created a need for specialized vessels to cater for surveying, crew transfer, oil pollution response and offshore wind farm support. Excel Marine Services has been operating in the offshore wind farm sector for the last eight years specializing in crew transfers, cargo carrying and diving support operations. The company currently operates four catamarans with a further two on order.

The first of these will be ready for operation in March 2011 and the second in August 2011. Excel has worked for companies including Vestas, Tideway, Prysmain, Shell, M T Hojgaard, and Centrica. Vulcan has gone straight to work for Dong Energy at the Walney Wind Farm, 14km from Walney Island off the coast of Cumbria.

The Aluminium Boatbuilding Company will be joined by representatives of Excel Marine Services on Stand MS4 opposite the Renewable Energy Pavilion at Seawork 2010. ABC will also be exhibiting a fast patrol/police launch in conjunction with engine supplier E P Barrus Ltd in slot A20 on the Seawork pontoon.