New Standard in Propulsion Efficiency and Onboard Comfort
According to the manufacturer, the propulsion system has performed convincingly all along the line and surpassed the expectations of her owner, the Welsh company Turbine Transfers Ltd, a subsidiary of Holyhead Towing Company. The VLJs are the main propulsion system of the DNV Classed 21m offshore service catamaran, which was designed for Turbine Transfers by BMT Nigel Gee and built by AMC. The Crew Transport Vessel will take service technicians to offshore wind farms at sites all around Europe, initially at the Westernmost Rough site off the Humber for Dong Energy.
Voith Announces First Linear Jet Order
A new propulsor for 20 to 40 knots with the simplicity and efficiency of a propeller. Voith has announced the first Voith Linear Jet order with Turbine Transfers UK for a 19 meter BMT Nigel Gee designed Wind Support Vessel. The Voith Linear Jet will provide for this application a substantial higher bollard pull without a requirement for increased installed power. This higher bollard pull will allow Turbine Transfers the safe transfer of personnel up to higher seastates. Turbine Transfers - a wholly owned subsidiary of Holyhead Towing Company - currently operates a fleet of over 20 fast catamarans that transport personnel and equipment to and from offshore wind turbines. Its long term customers include Siemens, RWE npower, Van Oord, Dong Energy, EnBW and Royal Boskalis Westminster.
Austal Vessel Ehances Wind Farm Ops
Building on its initial success in the renewable energy market, Austal has confirmed a contract for a fourth wind farm support vessel for Turbine Transfers Limited. The order is the first for a new Austal design which will enable safer and more efficient offshore wind turbine service. Welcoming the follow-up order from the UK-based company, Austal Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Bellamy, said the shipbuilder had continued to refine and enhance its Wind Express vessel range following its launch in mid-2010 as part of a strategy to pursue new commercial vessel markets.
Blount Boats to Manufacture US-flagged Catamarans
Blount Boats, Inc. has been appointed by South Boats Special Projects, Ltd., based at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, England, to be the exclusive shipyard to manufacture U.S. flagged aluminum catamarans of South Boats designs for the U.S. wind farm industry. Blount Boats operates a shipyard in Warren, Rhode Island. South Boats is recognized as a pioneer in designing and manufacturing wind farm service vessels. Their shipyard has built 45 vessels in five classes, from 15M – 30 meters, representing a 50% market share in European wind farms that are serviced by 13 operators, including Turbine Transfers Ltd. (Holyhead Towing Company), Iceni Marine Services Ltd., Northern Offshore Services AB, MPI Workboats, Ltd. (Vroon Group BV), Maritime Craft Services and MTS Group.
