A new concept in offshore support vessels, the Supacat Multi-purpose Vessel 24 (SMV24), is being unveiled at All Energy 2013 by the innovation house, Supacat. For the first time Supacat is displaying a 1:25 scale model of the 24metre vessel.
The SMV24 has been designed as ‘one boat to replace many’ to offer a flexible, cost effective solution to conducting multiple support tasks for offshore wind farms and other offshore facilities. It features a revolutionary deck system, a key to its multi-role performance.
The first SMV24 is already under construction and launch is scheduled for September this year. It is being built by established boat builder, Mustang Marine (Wales) Ltd, at its Pembroke Dock facility under a contract announced by Supacat in March this year. Supacat commissioned naval architects, Incat Crowther, to translate its SMV 24 concept into a detailed design. DNV advised on classification. The SMV24 will meet DNV 1A1 HSLC R1 Windfarm Service Vessel Class 1 and be UK MCA SCV Code (MGN280) Category 1.
“The SMV 24 will transform the way support operations in the offshore and wider maritime engineering sectors can be conducted. It is the result of detailed operational analysis and fresh thinking to solve the support needs of today’s growing offshore wind farm sector” , said Joe Wilcox, Head of Marine and Renewables, Supacat.
Supacat expands into Renewables, Marine and Energy
Supacat drew on its experience in the marine environment from developing the Launch & Recovery Vehicle for the RNLI’s new Shannon class all weather lifeboat to expand into the Renewables, Marine and Energy sectors. It led to Supacat engaging with the Fred. Olsen Ltd led BOLT wave energy converter project, “Lifesaver” as the team’s design and build partner. An innovative technology development project, “BOLT-2-Wavehub” has been part funded by the UK Technology Strategy Board (TSB).
Last month “Lifesaver” completed a year of full scale sea testing at Falmouth’s FabTest site, in which it has performed as designed and withstood waves up to 5 metres. It is the first installation at FabTest, which is a precursor to installation at Wave Hub, a grid-connected site 10 nautical miles off the north coast of Cornwall.
For the Oil & Gas sector Supacat has also subsequently developed the first ATEX Zone 2 compliant Protected Transit Vehicle to protect work crews operating in hazardous, explosive and toxic environments.
The SMV24 represents a significant expansion by the Devon based company into these sectors from its core defence market developing high mobility vehicles, such as `Jackal`, currently in service with British Forces in Afghanistan. The company is located in the South West Marine Energy Park, the first of its kind in the UK, and is ideally placed to collaborate on renewable energy projects.
“Supacat’s successful diversification is down to the agility and creativity of our design engineering team. They are specialists in analysing operational requirements and creating concepts to develop into exceptional products, usually to solve unique engineering challenges” , said Nick Ames, Managing Director, Supacat.
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Press release, May 20, 2013; Image: supacat