Seacat Debuts First Tank-tested Catamaran

Following the completion of preliminary sea trials, offshore energy support vessel operator Seacat Services unveiled the British-built Seacat Intrepid, the first DNV GL certified 26-meter crew transfer vessel to benefit from a unique three-year offshore wind farm workboat tank testing research and development program that capitalized on an improved understanding of wind, wave and weather conditions within European waters.

Seacat Intrepid boasts a fuel capacity of 26,000 liters and a wider foredeck – thereby increasing the number of operational hours served between fuel stops and enabling the accommodation of 20-foot equipment containers.

Further enhancements that have also been made as a direct result of the three-year research and development tank-testing program have included an increase in raft height from the wet deck to the sea, reducing wave impacts, decreasing internal noise levels within the cabin and providing a smoother ride.

Cabin refinements have also been made within the interior of the vessel to make use of additional space and increase functionality and comfort for service technicians and crews while working far out at sea.

“Seacat Intrepid is the very first workboat to benefit from this unique, three-year research and development tank-testing program,” said Ian Baylis, Managing Director Seacat Services. “And, while a huge amount of work has been undertaken behind the scenes to bring this 26-meter class certified workboat to the water, the benefits to the service technicians that will be spending time at sea with her are clear. Seacat Intrepid is arguably the most advanced and capable offshore energy support vessel available to charter. The changes are significant but the familiarity – both in terms of service and facilities onboard – makes her instantly recognizable to our clients and crews.”

Before heading directly onto winter charter, Seacat Intrepid was officially inaugurated by Chris Brammall, Economic Development Project Officer at the Isle of Wight Council and project lead for the Solent Offshore Renewable Energy Council, (SOREC), which supports regional commercial activity and growth.

“The Isle of Wight Council recognizes that offshore renewable energy is vital in the development of a healthy economy on the Isle of Wight,” Brammall said. “We see two fine examples of what island companies can achieve within this industry. South Boats IOW rightly have an international reputation for the manufacture of work boats to service offshore wind farms, while Seacat Services have acquired a reputation that is second to none for the supply of crewed vessels to the sector. Both companies have worked with SOREC and demonstrate the strength here on the Island of the supply chain to the offshore renewable energy industry. ”

Seacat Intrepid departed the Isle of Wight for her first winter charter, joining two sister workboats to work with an important European wind farm developer and operator.