Strategic Marine gets repeat two CTV order from U.K. customer

Strat 27 design CTVs can accommodate 24 technicians and three crew onboard

Making it “two more, like before,” Singapore-based shipbuilder Strategic Marine (S) Pte Ltd has finalized contracts to build an additional pair of StratCat 27 meter crew transfer vessels (CTVs) for Tyne & Wear, U.K. headquartered WEM Marine, which last month took delivery of two similar vessels ordered from Strategic in September 2020.

The CTVs were both built in Singapore and construction proceeded smoothly despite COVID restrictions and was completed according to schedule.

The 27-meter crew transfer vessels were designed to meet the specific requirements of WEM. Each is powered by two Caterpillar C32 engines driving fixed pitch propellers.

The vessels can accommodate 24 technicians and three crew onboard.

Commenting on the new order, WEM Marine’s Managing Director, David Ford said: “We have taken delivery of the first two vessels and have put them to work almost immediately upon their arrival in the U.K., and based on the team from Strategic Marine’s professionalism, our excellent working relationship and tailored financing solution, we are delighted to award Strategic Marine this contract for two more vessels.”

CUSTOM FINANCIAL SERVICES

Strategic Marine, together with financial investors, offers custom financial services to customers that include shipbuilding construction financing, leasing option arrangements and investor equity funding with flexible purchase options, to post-delivery financing.

“We are delighted to win this second contract with WEM. Our technical expertise, quality of product and tailored financing package has given WEM the confidence to order more CTVs, secure in the knowledge that we will deliver these CTVs on time, on budget and to their specifications,” said Hans Randklev, Strategic Marine’s General Manager for Commercial. “The financial solutions that we can offer alongside our vessel construction capabilities give our customers financial flexibility and assistance in these challenging economic times. This second contract consolidates our position in the renewable energy market and demonstrates the growing strength of our partnership with WEM.”

ACTIVE FENDERING

To improve the safety of personnel during transfer to the turbines the vessels are fitted with the AFS 2 active fendering system. This patented solution allows the vessels to push up with greater confidence and with less risk of damage to the vessels and offshore wind structures while providing a stable and safe connection for crew in a larger range of sea conditions. The variable distance center section allows easy “safe climbing distance” adjustment.

“The AFS 2 active fendering system is a game changer and give operators a higher safety factor when pushing up on the turbines which translates to less time, cost and emissions per transfer and potentially a larger operating window.” said Jim Fraser, Strategic Marine’s BDM for Europe.

The vessels will be built to RINA class rules with the Green Star 3 notation and will also have a “Green Passport” for safe ship recycling.