Class-leading offshore energy crew transfer vessel operator Seacat Services yesterday (Thursday) launched Seacat Courageous, the Cowes firm’s second 26-metre crew transfer vessel, as it continues to support the growth of the European offshore wind market.
Seacat Courageous, which hit the water for the first time following an official naming ceremony yesterday morning at the South Boats IOW yard in Cowes, is set to join sister vessel Seacat Intrepid in the nine-strong Seacat Services fleet.
With a near-identical specification to Intrepid, DNV-GL certified Courageous profits from the same unique three-year tank-testing programme at South Boats IOW that has brought a number of fundamental design innovations to the sector, further improving on the high standards set by the vessels before her.
These features are accompanied by a 26,000-litre fuel tank – allowing great flexibility in the number of operational hours that can be served at sea – and a larger foredeck to accommodate 20ft equipment containers.
Ian Baylis, Managing Director, Seacat Services said:
“Since her launch in October last year, Seacat Intrepid has set a new standard for vessels servicing the offshore wind sector.
“Seacat Courageous will match that standard, further enhancing our offering in the waters of the North Sea, Baltic and the domestic UK market.
“Today’s launch not only represents yet another milestone in the development of the Seacat Services fleet and our relationship with local boat builder South Boats, but also reaffirms the industry-leading position of UK firms in the offshore energy support vessel market.”
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Once sea trials are complete, Seacat Courageous will head directly to her first deployment in the North Sea.
Earlier this month, Seacat Services confirmed a £6 million investment in two new 24-metre OESVs as it prepares for the next phase of European offshore wind construction.
