Following exhaustive evaluation and various sea trials, Dalby Offshore Renewables have purchased two new crew transfer vessels from Alicat Workboats of Great Yarmouth.
The 20 meter propeller driven vessels are powered by twin Caterpillar C32 1319Hp engines that deliver a top speed of over 30 knots. The well thought out interior of the vessels is designed to give a high standard of comfort and an efficient environment for technicians, whilst transiting significant distances to and from their work place.
The first of the two boats, Dalby Humber, was handed over at a ceremony at Gardlines Oceanology stand at the Excel Centre. The vessel has secured immediate work on London Array working out of Ramsgate.
The second boat is presently under construction and will delivered to Dalby in mid April 2012.
Since the first Alicat made its appearance at Seaworks in 2010, investment in Alicat’s Great Yarmouth yard has been significantly ramped up with boat number 14 currently in production.
Steve Thacker, Alicat Workboats General Manager has said;
“We are delighted to be providing these boats to a quality operator such as Dalby Offshore and it enhances the development of our business model to build a quality vessel that is rapidly becoming the vessel of choice for safe and effective crew transfer in the wind farm market. Further, we look to strengthening the relationship with Stuart McNiven and the Dalby team with further announcements expected in the near future.”
Stuart McNiven, Managing Director of Dalby Offshore quoted the following:
“Dalby Offshore are delighted with the delivery of the Dalby Humber after extensive analysis of the market. We were looking for a vessel(s) with known reliability and after a number of recommendations from senior renewable personnel it convinced us the Alicat was the right solution for the bedrock of our expanding fleet. The vessels are known to perform offshore when others have returned to port.
The Humber offers a multi-functional platform with cargo carrying capability and high fuel delivery. The significant investment made in these vessels appears to be already vindicated with the Humber on contract straight from the delivery yard. We look forward to working with Steve Thacker and his team on other exciting possibilities.”
[mappress]
Offshore WIND staff, March 23, 2012; Image: Alicat