South Boats delivers windfarm support vessels to Turbine Transfers

Yard News - May 21, 2012

South Boats Special Projects Ltd has announced the launch and commissioning of its 57th and 58th offshore windfarm crew transfer vessels, Caernarfon Bay and Tremadoc
Bay.

The vessels are the first of the South Catamaran 19m WFSV designs to be delivered and have a number of new developments.

Built for Turbine Transfers Ltd the vessels have secured a contract in the German North Sea following successful trials and acceptance.

The 19m WFSV features increased fuel efficiency, higher performance, higher deck cargo including container mounts and lashing points, provision for secondary access systems and a soft mounted passenger saloon and bridge to increase passenger comfort (and reduce noise and vibration) on the longer, more arduous conditions experienced further offshore.

Powered by twin MTU 10V2000M72 diesel engines coupled to Ultra Dynamics UJ575 water jet units, the vessels achieved a sprint speed of 27.8 knots and are capable of cruising at speeds in excess of 22 knots with full tanks and a full complement of 12 passengers. One feature of the new design, and a benefit of the full bow concept, is only a 2 knot drop off in performance with 10 tonnes of cargo on the forward deck.

The vessels have an approved stability booklet to carry up to 16 tonnes of cargo, 12 on the forward deck and 4 on the after deck.

The vessels are the first ‘production vessel’ built by South Boats to feature anti-noise and vibration paint coatings, double glazed windows, remote air intakes and outlets, noise and vibration absorbent sole panels and isolated side and overhead panelling,
which in conjunction with the soft mounted superstructure, attached with only eight mounts, results in class leading and

near silent noise levels in the passenger saloon and bridge areas.