Seacat Services places four vessel order with Diverse Marine

Order confirmed for two BAR Technologies designed BARTech 30 crew transfer vessels (CTV) and two Chartwell Marine designed Chartwell 24 crew transfer vessels with advanced Foil Optimised Stability System (FOSS).

Class-leading offshore energy support vessel (OESV) operator, Seacat Services, has ordered two further Chartwell 24 vessels to complement its growing fleet. This deal closely follows Seacat’s double order for the new BARTech 30 vessels, with the build contract for all four boats awarded to Diverse Marine. It strengthens the collaboration between the four South Coast-based businesses as they continue to bolster a robust local offshore energy supply chain. Delivery of the vessels is scheduled for the spring of 2022 and 2023. 

The BARTech 30 vessels - to be named Seacat Columbia and Seacat Cambria - are focused on creating fuel efficiency through a highly optimised SWATH PROA multi-hull design, working alongside BAR Technologies patented Foil Optimised Stability System (FOSS). These vessels will consequently be among the first true ‘Low Emission Vehicles’ (LEV’s) servicing the offshore wind market with total emissions 30% lower than conventional CTV designs as well as ultimately cutting CO2 emissions by up to 600 tonnes per annum if working on a 12 hour shift of operation.

These latest Chartwell 24 vessels - to be names Seacat Sceptre and Seacat Sovereign - will be the first equipped with a new Foil Optimisation Stability System (FOSS) designed by BAR Technologies. This system will enhance vessel stability, improving comfort for offshore wind technicians, and create substantial operational efficiency gains.

The addition of the FOSS to the Chartwell 24, will help dampen pitch and roll, further enhancing its seakeeping capabilities and manoeuvrability. This will ensure that technicians can be accommodated safely and comfortably for optimal job performance on arrival. Optimising the vessel in this way also contributes to reduced fuel burn and emissions, with efficiency savings of up to 15%.

Ben Colman, Diverse Marine: "We are delighted that Seacat Services have chosen Diverse Marine to build these innovative new vessels - testament to the strong links between these Isle of Wight companies and the quality of the workforce here at Diverse. Our relationship with Seacat and Chartwell goes back many years, whilst we are excited to integrate the new FOSS system into the proven Chartwell 24 design.”

Ian Baylis, Managing Director at Seacat Services said: “The Chartwell 24 platform has already proven itself a versatile solution as we invest in our fleet to meet the demands of our broadening project portfolio. With the FOSS addition, Chartwell and BAR Technologies have helped us to take another step forward, while retaining the familiar vessel qualities that contribute to our proven formula.”

Andy Page, Naval Architect and Managing Director at Chartwell Marine, said: “Vessel design must take the needs of the end user into consideration. With operators now working in a wider variety of sea conditions, the Chartwell 24 range provides the versatility required to best serve the operator, whether that’s through hybrid propulsion variations or, in this case, the inclusion of FOSS technology.” 

John Cooper, CEO at BAR Technologies said: “The offshore wind sector thrives off innovation, and the entrance of FOSS into the CTV industry will continue to reduce costs in the maritime supply chain. Foil technology has been used for decades to reduce drag in high performance yacht racing, and now, we are proudly bringing the technology to the commercial sphere. A FOSS system resembles a dynamic spoiler that sits below the waterline, increasing efficiency, enabling an active roll and trim response to counter the sea state and provide class-leading stability – without compromising on speed.”

This announcement follows the launch of Seacat’s first Chartwell 24, Seacat Weatherly, earlier in the year and the delivery of sister vessel, Seacat Rainbow, in October. Both vessels were built by Diverse Marine and are already at work at UK offshore wind sites.

-Ends-

About Seacat Services

Seacat Services is the class leading wind farm support vessel operator, located in Cowes, UK. With a current fleet of thirteen boats that conform to the highest operational and safety standards, the company operates internationally and works directly with developers, utilities, manufacturers and support services businesses to provide fast and efficient offshore personnel and equipment transfers. 

For more details please visit:

www.seacatservices.co.uk 

About Chartwell Marine:

Chartwell Marine is a pioneer in next-generation vessel design. Headed up by Andy Page, a reputed naval architect with an industry-leading track record designing award-winning high-speed vessels, Chartwell Marine supports ambitious boat builders and vessel operators around the world with specialist, independent design and consultancy services.

To find out more about Chartwell Marine, please visit: 

http://www.chartwellmarine.com/

About BAR Technologies:

With an impressive heritage, having originally spun out from the former British, America’s Cup Team, BAR Technologies provide a wide range of design and engineering consultancy services with a focus on 4 key sectors; Workboats and Commercial Vessels, Shipping, Special Projects and Leisure Marine and Yachts.

BAR Technologies offer a cohesive team of world lead naval architects and optimisation specialists; fluid dynamists; mechanical, structural and composite engineers; control strategy and system specialists; they offer data and simulation engineers with access to the latest commercial knowledge, using bespoke in-house design tools.

BAR Technologies originally entered this market to challenge themselves to incorporate their broad knowledge of naval architecture, simulation, CFD and patented IP into a superior Crew Transfer Vessel for taking technicians to work on Wind Turbines (amongst other uses). The aim being to improve seakeeping and help make a green energy sector even greener by dramatically reducing fuel requirements.

For more details please visit: 

https://www.bartechnologies.uk/