Vessel launch: Versatile new workboat multi-tasks at wind farm

Argus G is designed to meet the demands of a wide range of commercial workboat activities including crew transfer, cargo delivery, general support work and survey.

Argus G is a genuinely versatile GRP built vessel, also set up for surveying operations with a dedicated forward facing survey station suitable for two surveyors and computer equipment. It is thus able to conduct acoustic surveys to monitor noise and shock during piling operations while at the Walney site. Further aft in the wheelhouse, an additional survey area can be opened out to a substantial 14ft by 11ft. A 600mm square moon pool through the aft deck enables a number of surveying activities to be carried out. Cable routing into the wheelhouse and surveying areas is designed to be tidy and safe.

To further enhance its multi-purpose capabilities, Argus G is equipped with an electric dive lift. Travelling from deck level to approximately six feet below the water line, the dive lift makes diver deployment and recovery simple even with divers in full kit and equipment.

The vessel’s 18ft by 11ft wheelhouse features 13 KAB suspension crew seats with head and armrests for outstanding comfort underway, a fully equipped galley and additional space for bench seating and a saloon table. Other facilities include cavernous in-hull storage, separate toilet/ shower, waste holding tank, hot and cold pressurised water system, and warm air heating.

The helmsman enjoys an ergonomically effective lay-out of his working area, an important issue when many hours will be spent manoeuvring the vessel safely in the proximity of offshore wind turbines as well as other vessels.

The external turbine transfer area at the bow features steps up to the guardrail protected turbine docking platform, providing both security and excellent sight lines for effective communication between helm and assisting deck crew. The bow is heavily fendered to protect the craft during crew transfer operations

The Blyth 14m offers a large aft deck space of 16ft by 16ft, which is generous enough to satisfy a significant range of cargo carrying requirements. On-deck cranes are available as an option if required.

The 14m LOA vessel has a 4.9m beam and draws only 0.9m. Power is supplied by twin 550hp Iveco marine diesels turning propellers through TwinDisc gearboxes with a ratio of 1.77:1. Also on board is a 6kVa generator, battery charger, inverters, shore power, deck wash, interior and exterior lighting, as well as an extensive provision of electronic equipment and safety gear. Argus G is built to comply with MCA Category 2, able to sail up to 60 miles from safe haven.

Blyth Workcats will be exhibiting a Blyth 14m sister vessel to Argus G on the floating pontoon at Seawork 2010 this summer. Also on display will be an outstanding dive charter version of the Blyth 33 (10m), which is now in its 26th year of continuous production.