Offshore energy support vessel operator Seacat Services has been chosen to support construction of a major wind farm off the east coast.
Seacat Services, based in the Isle of Wight, will bring two of its catamaran vessels up to Triton Knoll’s new Grimsby construction base, to transport crew working at the wind farm.
Construction of Triton Knoll is expected to start in early 2020. Once operational, it will comprise of 90 turbines and generate 857MW of clean electricity.
The new long-term deal between Seacat Services and Triton Knoll will see the firm’s vessels remain in Grimsby until the end of 2021.
Matthias Reiker, finance director at Triton Knoll, said: “We’re delighted to bring Seacat Services into the Triton Knoll team, further strengthening our project presence in Grimsby and reinforcing our commitment to the UK’s offshore supply chain.
“It is vital that the construction of the project is conducted as efficiently as possible while meeting our highest safety standards. In light of this, Seacat Services has proved a natural fit as a vessel provider and we look forward to progressing our state-of-the-art project with them.”
The contract, which includes options for further vessel charters, will initially see two Seacat Services OESVs – one 26-metre and one 24-metre catamaran – operating out of Triton Knoll’s new Grimsby construction base.
The vessels will provide specialist crew transfer and logistical support at the 90-turbine site off the coast of Lincolnshire.
With offshore construction set to commence in Q1 2020, the first of the two vessels will begin preparation works at the project this winter, with the second set to join her in April 2020.
Ian Baylis, managing director at Seacat Services said: “During the time-sensitive offshore wind construction phase, the importance of a finely-honed approach to vessel management cannot be understated.
“It not only ensures maximum ‘time-on-turbine’ for project technicians to keep the project on track but can also create wider operational efficiencies that have an impact across the board.
“Having worked out of Grimsby previously, we’re looking forward to returning later this year and getting the project underway.”
Triton Knoll will be the next major offshore wind construction project to enter UK waters when the first components are installed next year, and has already made significant progress during the installation of the onshore electrical system.
Once fully operational, Triton Knoll will be capable of generating enough renewable energy for the equivalent of over 800,000 typical UK households.
The contract with Isle of Wight-based Seacat Services extends a relationship that has already seen the project owner and vessel operator work together at Galloper Offshore Wind Farm.
