South Boats 22m crew transfer vessel

South Boats claim that the new aluminium-hulled catamaran has benefited from the extensive testing programme carried out to understand the benefits and limitations to various hull forms and how they perform differently, specifically as offshore wind farm crew transfer vessels. Many of the hull forms that demonstrated peaks of performance in one area tended to have dramatic limitations in another. The all new South Cat 22m addresses this and promises to deliver a new benchmark for CTV performance. In addition, this design has been fully tank tested to optimise its sea-keeping, running trim and performance.

Iceni Venture measures 23.1m LOA, has a beam of 8m and an operational displacement of circa. 68 tonnes. The most noticeable feature of the 22m is the height of the bow and definition of the wet deck along with the depth of the hulls coupled to reduced height of the technician saloon. Model testing results are showing dramatic improvements to ride comfort in higher sea states, significantly better WTG access performance and lower fuel burn rates.

“We are delighted to launch this first of class of vessel to Iceni Marine Services, who have a long standing relationship with South Boats IOW and our co-operation over eight CTV’s has assisted the development of the South Catamaran product range.’’ said Ben Colman, South Boats IOW.

This vessel is contracted to significant O&M contract but will be available for inspection at Seawork 2015.

By Jake Frith