Seawork duo combine for Multi-purpose Vessel
Two Seawork exhibitors are teaming up for the design and build of a new concept offshore support vessel, the first of which will make its debut later this year.
The innovative engineering and design house Supacat has awarded the build contract to Mustang Marine (Wales) Ltd for the new vessel, the Supacat Multi-purpose Vessel 24. The first boat will be built at Mustang Marine’s Pembroke Dock facility and is scheduled for launch in August.
To develop the Supacat Multi-purpose Vessel 24 (SMV 24) concept, Supacat has collaborated with key partners with strong pedigrees in the offshore marine sector. It commissioned naval architects Incat Crowther to turn the concept into a detailed design and for advice on classification has worked closely with DNV.
Supacat analysed in detail the range of support tasks and operations for wind farms and other offshore facilities worldwide and conceived the SMV 24 as a single `multi-purpose workboat` as a solution that will reduce the number of different vessel types currently required. The result is a high specification vessel featuring a revolutionary deck system which is a key to its multi-role performance. There are several patents pending. The SMV 24 will meet DNV 1A1 HLSC Windfarm Service Vessel Class 1 and be UK MCA Category 1.
“The SMV 24 has been designed as `one vessel to replace many` and is a flexible, high performance and cost effective solution that will transform the way support operations in the offshore and wider maritime engineering sectors are conducted. We at Supacat are delighted to have such a respected name as Mustang Marine as our build partner for SMV 24”, said Nick Ames, managing director of Supacat.
Mustang Marine commercial director Ian Strugnell added: “At Mustang Marine we are delighted to have been contracted by Supacat for the construction of this new and exciting SMV24. The multi-purpose vessel aimed at the windfarm support market offers great flexibility and certainly broadens its’ target audience. Supacat are highly respected within their industry and we are looking forward to working with them over the coming months.”
Devon UK based Supacat specialises in analysing operational challenges and creating concepts to develop into exceptional products. Examples are the Launch and Recovery System for the RNLI’s new Shannon Class Lifeboat and the Jackal high mobility military reconnaissance vehicle.
Located in the UK’s first Marine Energy Park, Supacat is well placed to engage with collaborators in renewable energy projects with its dedicated team of design engineers and extensive production facilities. Supacat is already engaged in a Fred. Olson led wave energy project being tested at Falmouth’s FabTest site and is extending its capabilities as part of a long term commitment to support offshore energy development.
“The SMV 24 project represents a further expansion into adjacent sectors for Supacat, which has diversified from its core military vehicle market into the oil and gas, renewable energy and marine sectors”, concluded Nick Ames.
