The offshore wind maintenance sector is the focus of our latest offshore vessels roundup. A new SWATH crewboat is delivered to an owner in China as construction starts on a crewboat that will serve the American market and a maintenance and accommodation vessel for a Dutch operator. Meanwhile, design work is scheduled for a new maintenance vessel that will support a windfarm project on the US East Coast.
Chinese-built SWATH crewboat delivered to local owner
China's Zhongshan Aolong Shipyard has delivered a new windfarm crewboat to local shipowner the China Three Gorges Group for operation by its China Three Gorges New Energy division.
The all-aluminium Sanxia Yun Wei 001 ("Three Gorges Operation and Maintenance 001") has a prominent small waterplane area twin hull (SWATH) design. Measuring 32.5 by 11.6 metres, the newbuild can transport windfarm technicians and cargo at speeds of up to 25 knots.
The crewboat was designed and built in compliance to China Classification Society rules.
US-Danish partnership to build SOVs to support Coastal Virginia offshore wind project
US shipping company Crowley and Danish vessel operator Esvagt will jointly build and operate a service operations vessel (SOV) under a long-term charter with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy.
Under the contract, Crowley will manage and crew the SOV to support Siemens Gamesa's service operations on the Dominion Energy Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project. Esvagt will support Crowley with design, construction, crew training, and operation services as part of the two companies' joint venture, Crest Wind.
The SOV will have modern accommodations for 80 crew and technicians. Consistent with federal law, the vessel will be built in the US.
The SOV is scheduled to enter service by 2026.
First steel cut for Acta Marine CSOV
Tersan Shipyard in Turkey has cut the first steel to be used for the construction of a commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV) ordered by Netherlands-based Acta Marine.
Once completed, the vessel will measure 89 by 19 metres and will be fitted with a helicopter pad, a gangway, and an offshore crane.
The CSOV will be classed by DNV and will have DYNPOS(AUTR) and Battery(Power) notations among others.
Keel laid for second crewboat in series for Atlantic Wind Transfers
St Johns Ship Building in Florida has laid the keel for the second catamaran crewboat in a series ordered by Rhode Island-based Atlantic Wind Transfers.
Designed by UK naval architecture firm Chartwell Marine, the 24-metre aluminium vessel will be capable of transporting 24 personnel to and from wind turbines.
The crewboat will be Jones Act-compliant and certified under US Coast Guard Subchapter L. It will be able to operate at any offshore wind farm in the US.
