Tidal Transit’s personnel transfer vessel, Eden Rose, has been on charter to Scira Offshore Energy since May 2012.
Initially it was transporting construction workers building the Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm to site, and since this 88 turbine power plant was completed late last year, it has been taking maintenance technicians to the wind farm on a daily basis.
Announcing that this charter contract has just been renewed for a further 6 months, Tidal Transit’s Commercial Director Leo Hambro said:
“Eden Rose has been in daily use by Scira for almost 12 months now, and it has really proved its worth over the recent period of rough weather when smaller personnel transfer vessels were unable to sail because of the swell. Maintenance work has been critical. Eden Rose, as well as Ginny Louise over Easter, have been able to cope admirably with the conditions.”
Typically having received its manifest the previous night from Scira Marine Logistics and loaded up with locally bought provisions, Eden Rose leaves the harbour at either Great Yarmouth or Wells-next-the-Sea in the early morning. The vessel will be carrying up to 12 wind farm technicians and their tools, together with any spare parts likely to be needed during the day.
Travelling at an average speed of 23 knots, the travel time to the Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm is usually 2.5 hours from Great Yarmouth, 1 hour from Wells-next-the-Sea, during which passengers can enjoy the on-board comforts of the vessel. Having transferred the teams of technicians to various wind turbines, Eden Rose remains on site, serving as the work base and remaining in radio contact with each team throughout the shift. Some will return on board for lunchtime refreshment, and Eden Rose will finally return them to port at the end of the working day.
[mappress]
Press release, May 2, 2013; Image: ni4b