Cowes based Seacat Services has confirmed a two year, 4-workboat crew transfer deal to support construction operations at Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm, off the Norfolk coast.
With all 91 turbines at DONG Energy’s 580MW Race Bank to be fully commissioned by 2018, construction of the project will demand the highest possible level of workboat availability – something that can present significant challenges for developers when undertaking large-scale installations far out to sea.
Seacat Services is committed to providing the market with first-class workboats capable of delivering technicians safely and comfortably to site in the toughest of environments. The operator’s fleet of DNV-GL 1A1 HSLC R1 Service 1 classified vessels, all built locally on the Isle of Wight by South Boats, is able to deliver large cargo payloads, at high speed.
“This contract is a real endorsement of the Seacat values and business track record, which all started here on the Isle of Wight in 2010.” said Ian Baylis, Managing Director, Seacat Services. “Over the past 6 years, we have always worked to ensure that the growth of Seacat Services is able to benefit the local economy – such as consistently supporting local boat builder South Boats IoW, and having invested in the past 2 years in a very successful local apprenticeship scheme.
“With the future growth of Seacat Services, we look forward to continuing to support the employment and business on the Island, capitalising on the region’s strong maritime heritage and expertise. Our work with DONG Energy on Race Bank over the coming months will enable us to channel further investment into the local supply chain by providing opportunities for local crew and supporting services.”
Jason Ledden, Construction Project Manager for Race Bank at DONG Energy said:
“I am delighted to be using these state-of-the-art vessels, built right here in the UK, to assist with the logistics and construction of Race Bank.
“Placing contracts with UK suppliers whenever possible is a real priority for DONG Energy and we have already worked with Seacat Services for our Westermost Rough offshore wind farm. The company’s commitment to service, quality and safety meant there was no hesitation in using them again for our Race Bank project.
“These crew transfer vessels are part of a new fleet, and will help safely and efficiently transfer our engineers and technicians offshore to work on the construction of Race Bank’s 91 wind turbines and two substations.”
