Cowes-based offshore energy support vessel (OESV) operator, Seacat Services, has launched two vessels with the capacity for 24 industrial personnel – the newly-accepted Seacat Enterprise, and the upgraded Seacat Courageous.
These boats are amongst the first wave of offshore energy support vessels to be certified under the new HS-OSC (High Speed – Offshore Service Craft) code, which now allows vessels under 500 tonnes to carry up to 60 industrial personnel, the operator said.
High Speed Utility Vessel (HSUV) Seacat Enterprise is the first vessel to be both built and registered in the UK under this new code.
This 27m catamaran is the most recent product of a long-term collaborative R&D programme between Seacat Services, South Boats IoW and Alicat Marine Design.
She features a substantially enhanced cargo and fuel carrying capacity that enables her to carry up to four 20ft containers in addition to 24 personnel and ship’s crew, according to Seacat Services.
Seacat Services’ second HS-OSC-certified vessel, 26m Seacat Courageous, was originally launched in February 2015 as a 12-seater, but thanks to a modular design has now been refitted and upgraded to become a 24-seater. She features a 26,000-litre fuel tank, and additionally a foredeck that can accommodate up to two 20ft equipment containers.
“The introduction of the HS-OSC code is a welcome development for the UK offshore wind sector, enhancing the service provided by vessel operators like Seacat Services as we gear up for the upcoming construction phase,” said Ian Baylis , Managing Director, Seacat Services.
“The acceptance of Enterprise and upgrade of Courageous are part of our continuing investment in the fleet, and an ongoing programme of significant scheduled refits to our vessels that will ensure that each and every one of our boats continues to meet the very highest standards. This investment in technology has been matched by expansions to our support facility and shore-based teams. In short, we’re well-placed to continue supporting the fast moving offshore wind sector and the ‘industrial personnel’ driving construction and operations forward.”