Maritime Craft Services (Clyde) Ltd (MCS) has ordered an additional Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) crew transfer vessel (CTV) from Finnish shipbuilder Uudenkaupungin Työvene Oy.
The contract includes an option for a sister vessel, which would be a fifth SWATH vessel delivered by Työvene to MCS.
As wind projects move farther offshore into more exposed waters, vessel operability and transfer capability have become increasingly important considerations for operators seeking to maintain turbine availability.
SWATH vessels’ hull configuration, designed to reduce vessel motions in rough seas by minimising pitch, roll and vertical accelerations, are considered to be a more stable working platform for technicians and improve transfer operations during adverse weather conditions.
The new vessel will be configured for offshore wind support duties, including technician transfers, maintenance campaigns, inspection activities and the transport of equipment and spare parts. Construction will take place at Työvene’s shipyard in Finland.
“Offshore wind operators are under constant pressure to maximise turbine uptime while maintaining the highest safety standards for personnel,” said Nils P. Olschner, director of Sales and business Development at Työvene.
“SWATH technology addresses both challenges by providing a remarkably stable platform that can operate efficiently when conventional crew transfer vessels may face operational restrictions.”
Työvene, part of Summa Defence Group, builds specialised vessels including workboats, patrol craft, rescue boats and SWATH vessels for commercial, government and offshore energy customers.
MCS operates a fleet of crew transfer and marine support vessels serving offshore wind projects in several markets.
