Offshore wind project developer DONG Energy has awarded Seacat Services, an offshore energy support vessel operator, with the supply contract for all crew transfer services at its 258 MW Burbo Bank Extension project under development in the Irish Sea.
According to Seacat Services, the four-vessel charter contract, with durations of three to 11 months, is the second such agreement signed between Seacat Services and DONG Energy in 2016, following the confirmation of a four-workboat construction support deal for the Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm in April.
Seacat asserts that here is a still a handful of remaining “Round 2.5” extension projects due for installation in U.K. waters in 2016 ahead of the upcoming Round 3 construction phase.
The Burbo Bank Extension project will see the installation of 32 MHI Vestas 8 MW turbines, significantly boosting the capacity of the existing 90 MW Burbo Bank Offshore Wind Farm in Liverpool Bay. Seacat Services will deploy four of its class-certified catamarans, including Seacat Defender, Seacat Volunteer, Seacat Vigilant and Seacat Endeavour, to support the installation of turbines and offshore transmission infrastructure.
Offshore construction is due to commence this month and to be completed in the second quarter of 2017.
Each of the multi-purpose vessels is capable of safely transferring technicians and equipment to and from the project at high speeds in testing conditions, according to Seacat, and the fleet will be operated by a 22-member Seacat Services crew, with support from a shore-based team.
Seacat Services’ operations at the Burbo Bank project commenced on April 25.
