Cowes based Seacat Services are celebrating the launch of Seacat Courageous, the firm’s second 26-metre offshore energy crew transfer vessel and their ninth to be built on the Island. In February Seacat Services confirmed a £6 million order with South Boats, also based in Cowes, for two new 24-metre vessels.
“It’s a milestone for us because Seacat Courageous is our first 24 passenger boat,” says Ian Baylis, MD, Seacat Services. “As a company it’s great to be launching boats and gaining contracts and a track record. It secures employment here at the Isle of Wight shipyard where we can launch initiatives like our apprenticeship and cadet schemes. As with any young business it’s about sustainably growing our opportunities and looking to the future.
With two significant offshore wind projects proposed for the South Coast – the Navitus Bay and Rampion wind farms – and a host of further projects already under construction in UK and European waters, demand is high for support vessels.
“The Island really does lead the charge when it comes to renewable energy with companies like South Boats, Sustainable Marine Energy, Datum Electronics, MHI Vestas. The Island has been innovative in preparation for the anticipated offshore and tidal projects.”
