Seacat Freedom, the latest addition to wind farm support vessel operator Seacat Services’ 12-strong fleet, has been dispatched to DONG Energy’s Race Bank offshore wind project following the boat’s official naming ceremony at Seawork 2016.
According to Seacat Services, the deployment comes as part of the two-year, four-workboat crew transfer deal secured by Seacat Services in April to support DONG Energy’s operation off the U.K.’s east coast. The company adds that Seacat Freedom was built on the Isle of Wight.
Seacat expects construction at Race Bank to require the highest possible levels of reliability and workboat availability in order to fully commission all 91 turbines by 2018. Across the sector, as developments take place in rougher and deeper waters, the requirements placed on support vessels are increasing.
With the offshore wind construction market set to increase significantly through 2017, demand for Seacat Services’ already fully chartered fleet looks set to increase.
“The continued demand for our support vessels demonstrates the important role which the U.K. maritime sector plays in large offshore projects both regionally and internationally,” says Ian Baylis, managing director of Seacat Services.
