Norwegian design firm Espeland and Skomedal Naval Architects (ESNA) and Singapore-based shipbuilder Strategic Marine have entered into an agreement to develop a surface effect ship (SEC) crewboat for various applications.
The partners intend to start building their first SES crewboat in the fourth quarter of 2024. This vessel will be designed to support operations at offshore wind farms.
The agreement is based on the two parties' experience in the joint development of three SES crewboats for oil and gas support operations that are due for completion within this year.
ESNA and Strategic Marine also foresee increased collaboration for the promotion of SES technology for other target markets such as security and defence applications.
The SES concept for crew transfer duties will offer a number of advantages. A high transit speed will ensure a shorter transit time while an active SES motion damping system will provide improved seakeeping and greater passenger comfort than what is possible with conventional monohulls and catamarans.
An SES design will also allow transfers to and from wind turbines to be performed at greater wave heights.
