Support vessels for offshore wind farms

摘要

Vessel design and construction company Austal is well on the way to completing its three purpose-built 21m offshore support vessels (OSVs) for the UK-based wind farm support company Turbine Transfers. Part of Austals Wind Express series of vessels, the OSV catamarans will be used to transport service crews and equipment to the many offshore wind farms situated off the coastlines of several European countries. The Wind Series OSVs will be the first in Turbine Transfers' current fleet of 18 vessels to be commissioned outside the UK. Austal has adopted a fine entry chine hull form which, in association with a high tunnel height, will enable the vessels to operate at speeds of up to 30 knots with targeted sea-keeping ability in up to 2m of wave height. The vessels are being built at Austals Henderson shipyard in Western Australia. Work has commenced on the construction of the wheelhouse, hulls and superstructure on all three of the ships. Launch of each of the vessels is planned for March/ April of next year, with delivery scheduled for May.