CWind, the only British company to be awarded a Siemens vessel charter contract out of a European shortlist, today took delivery of CWind Athenia, a 20-tonne payload, multi-purpose catamaran (MPC).
CWind Athenia is the second of the work vessels built by CTruk Boats to fulfil CWind’s Siemens contract, incorporating three vessels operating out of Ramsgate on the London Array Offshore Wind Farm. The third is expected to launch in the spring.
CTruk Boats has recently also signed a two-vessel deal for 20-tonne MPCs with another local operator.
Part of CWind’s boat share scheme, CWind Athenia is a joint venture with local skipper Dave Bachelor, who has a Merchant Navy background, as well as commercial experience on the south and east coasts of the UK. CWind Athenia, will be joining Dave Bachelor’s current vessel at the London Array, where the work will mostly involve organising crew transfers. CWind Athenia incorporates CTruk Boats? flexible pod system, which means the vessel is hugely versatile and can be easily adapted to carry different loads. It comes standard with 16,000 litres in-hull fuel capacity delivering a 2,400nm operational range or providing capacity for re-fuelling work.
CWind’s boat share scheme is designed to enable owner/operators to access the growing wind farm market with the backing of an experienced operator. The scheme enables local skippers to part-invest in a CWind vessel, with CWind managing the contracts and finances, through to the QHSE procedures. CWind and the skippers share in the profits.
Peter Jorgenson, Managing Director of CWind explains, “ We’re very proud to be the only UK business to win one of these contracts with Siemens out of a European shortlist and delighted to see CWind Athenia launched and off to work. Our boat share scheme enables local owner operators to participate in the wind farm industry. The investment of the skipper means our clients get a can-do attitude combined with the experienced management and QHSE procedures of CWind “.
Built by CTruk Boats in Brightlingsea, CWind Athenia is 18.5m LOA, with a robust build which gives her solid sea-keeping qualities. In addition the vessel has a small carbon footprint as it is very cost-effective burning 90 litres less diesel an hour than an equivalent aluminium vessel.
About CWind
CWind provides highly-skilled people and innovative vessels to operators and major contractors engaged in the construction of offshore wind farms. The company recruits and manages personnel, from skippers to electricians. It has also established a boat share scheme to enable local owner/operators to access the growing wind farm market with the backing of an experienced operator. CWind manages the contracts, finances and QHSE procedures of these vessels.
The CWind team of 80+ technicians has a wide range of skills which enables the company to be adaptable and responsive to any wind farm problems. CWind holds a full range of accreditations including Quality, Environmental and Health & Safety.
About CTruk Boats
CTruk Boats takes an innovative approach to work vessel design and build. The company has applied for a patent for its flexible pod system, designed specifically to meet the varied needs of wind farm support work. The bespoke pods enable operators to change the vessel?s layout within a few hours. CTruk also uses vacuum infusion to build composite boats to the highest standards, saving up to 40% on weight, and has developed a manufacturing process that enables modular construction, increasing production efficiency.
The CTruk Boats team of 25 technicians has built two 20 tonne payload, multi-purpose catamarans this year, has a third underway and is building a SWATH which will increase the current wave height limits for technician transfer.
[mappress] Offshore Wind Staff, February 8, 2012; Image : prsavvy