Marineco UK has placed another order for two more FCS 2610 Twin Axe vessels to serve its offshore wind activities. The Scottish company was the first customer for the pioneering Damen Twin Axe vessel, which has become the industry standard since its introduction just over two years ago.
Marineco’s two new additions will be delivered in 2014. These vessels are identical to its fourth FCS 2610 ‘Marineco Thunderbird’, which is considered the “ultimate offshore wind support vessel” by the Scottish company.
Siemens has been deploying Marineco Thunderbird off the west coast of England, where it is used to perform installation and maintenance work at the Walney Offshore Windfarms.
The vessel’s superstructure is spacious, offering sleeping accommodation (four two-person cabins), which makes it possible for the crew to stay on-site for longer periods of time.
Marineco UK wanted the Damen vessels to fulfil four functions: to provide fuel supplies, carry out survey work, diving and support work and to be able to clean monopoles, so they have proven to be extremely versatile.
Marineco’s Twin Axe vessels have a larger, 20,000 litre fuel tank to enable them to comfortably travel 1,200 nm and transfer fuel to wind turbines, increased fresh water capacity (4,000 litres), 50% more accommodation and a larger bridge.
Engineers have their own mess room and there is sleeping accommodation for eight crew, having increased accommodation space to create four double cabins. The vessels have two pantries for crew and technicians and the spacious wheelhouse transport capacity has grown to 12 passengers. This layout enables the vessel to remain in the field for longer periods, making the vessel more efficient.
There’s even room for a client’s office. In addition, bow thruster capacity has been enhanced. As well as the safe transfer of crew to wind turbines and hotel ships, it is possible to dock smaller transfer vessels to the stern of the FCS 2610.
The FCS 2610 has very good seakeeping behaviour and economical fuel consumption. It has an ample working and storage deck with room for two 20 ft containers, a 25 t deck crane and a spacious rescue platform.
Classed by Bureau Veritas, the vessel operates under the Workboat Code, Category 1. Depending on the sea state, the maximum speed is 26 knots with a range of 1,200 nm. Vessels are capable of docking in extreme weather conditions, transferring personnel safely in wave heights of 2.5 m.
Two orders for new customer Sure Wind
In the meantime, Marineco UK sold its first FCS 2610 ‘Shamal’ to Sure Wind, a British company specialising in the German market, and this company was so delighted with the Damen vessel’s performance that it decided to place an order for two new vessels.
Sure Wind will take delivery of its first new FCS 2610 in the next few weeks and the second in February next year.
[mappress]
Press release, October 20, 2013; Image: damen