MCS Zephyr & MCS Maestro - First 18m Wind Farm Service Vessels built to DNV 1A1 HSLC R2 Class.
In service with Maritime Craft Services MCS Zephyr is the first vessel in the world to be built under survey to DNV 1A1 HSLC R2 Wind Farm Service 1 Class, followed by MCS Maestro. The vessels are built to UK flag and certified to MA Category 1. Built by South Boats Special Projects Ltd., the vessels are configured with an off centre wheelhouse providing a 34m2 forward deck capable of carrying up to 8 tonnes of construction and O & M equipment. The aft deck is capable of carrying a further 2 tonnes of equipment.
Powered by twin MTU 8V2000M72 965 bhp diesel engines rated @ 2250 rpm coupled to twin UltraJet 575 waterjets via ZF2050 1.765:1 reduction gearboxes, these craft have a top speed of 26 knots and are capable of cruising at speeds of 24 knots (90% MCR) in arrival condition. This excellent fuel efficiency allows them to spend more time working on the wind farm structures. Fitted with an Ultra Dynamics JetMaster joystick control system the vessels are capable of manoeuvring close to the wind farm structures in all weather conditions and keeping position - operations that are often difficult using propeller driven craft.
The vessels encompass the very latest in technology and comfort, the passenger saloon incorporates individual crew and passenger seating for up to 16 and incorporates TV/DVD and forward looking cameras.