SeaZip deliveries double their FCS fleet

In the decade or so since offshore windfarms changed the horizons of many European coastlines a whole new industry of small crew transfer vessels has blossomed, new innovative designs offering a variety of choices for both new and established operators.

A subtle change in the way long-term O&M personnel are transported is taking place as windfarms move further offshore into deeper, more hostile waters. The traditional ‘day boat’ twelve passenger model is now being supplemented by larger vessels providing accommodation and the capability to remain offshore for a month or more.

There are few signs however that the popularity of smaller vessels has peaked, a hard core of designers and builders continuing to offer innovative products for projects where the smaller vessel model is still the economical and preferred option. SeaZip’s decision to double their fleet of Twin-Axe 2610 FCSs demonstrates their satisfaction with this particular marque from Damen’s range.

SeaZip was founded in 2010 by two shipping entrepreneurs well-known in other maritime sectors, in particular management of JR Shipping BV, a Dutch company whose fleet of general cargo ships and container feeders are regular sites in European waters.

It is perhaps this solid background and track record which provides foundation for their venturing into this niche sector of the offshore wind industry and a look at their fleet indicates an interesting mix of both operational and projected vessels. The Damen newbuilds Seazip 3 and Seazip 4 will join two similar FCS 2610 catamarans Seazip 1 and Seazip 2 along with a 17m rigid inflatable and 26m conventional survey vessel built in 1969.

SeaZip clearly have an interesting future vision however with two larger vessels “under development”. While the two new vessels are aimed at the smaller end of the market they also have plans for a 74m DP2 Service Operations Vessel with accommodation for 60 passengers and an Ampelmann personnel transfer system. In considering the construction market they are also developing another Damen product, the Damen Combi Carrier 7500 which at 119m LOA and 7,400t deadweight is a basic cargo carrier design that can be adapted to a variety of roles including: accommodation vessel, cable laying, windfarm component transportation and surveying and diving support.

The two latest crew transfer vessels were constructed at Damen’s Singapore facilities and have now been shipped to Gorinchem in the Netherlands for completetion and expected to be delivered imminently. With an eye to satisfying the demands of operating further offshore these latest versions have been developed further including an increase in their cargo capacity to 20 tons and relocation of the passenger compartments.

By Peter Barker