First wind farm service vessels built to new DNV class

Now in service with Maritime Craft Services on the U.K.’s Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm Project, the wind farm service vessels MCS Zephyr & MCS Maestro are the first to be built under survey to DNV 1A1 HSLC R2 Wind Farm Service 1 Class.

The U.K.-flag vessels were built by South Boats Special Projects Ltd., Isle of Wight. They are configured with an off center wheelhouse and have a 34 sq.m forward deck capable of carrying up to 8 tonnes of construction and overhaul and maintenance equipment.  The aft deck is capable of carrying a further 2 tonnes of equipment.

Power is provided by twin MTU 8V2000M72 965 bhp diesel engines rated at 2,250 rpm coupled to twin UltraJet 575 waterjets via ZF2050 1.765:1 reduction gearboxes.The craft have a top speed of 26 knots and are capable of cruising at speeds of 24 knots (90% MCR) in arrival condition.  Excellent fuel efficiency allows them to spend more time working on the wind farm structures.

Fitted with an Ultra Dynamics JetMaster joystick control system the vessels are capable of maneuvering close to the wind farm structures in all weather conditions and keeping position – operations that are often difficult using propeller driven craft.

Boat Builder:South Boats Special Projects Ltd,
Isle of Wight
Designer:                             South Boats
Class:                   DNV 1A1-LC-R2 CREW MCA Workboat Code
In service with:           Maritime Craft Services
Type: Wind Farm Service Vessel
Construction: Aluminum
Length: 19 m
Beam: 7.3 m
Draft: 1.2 m
Displacement: 40 tonne
Speed max: 26 knots
Propulsion: Twin UltraJet UJ575
Reverse & Steering Controls: UltraJet JetMaster Joystick
Engines: Twin MTU 8V200M72 965 bhp (720 kW) @ 2250 rpm
Gearboxes:   Twin ZF2050 reduction ratio 1.765:1
Fuel:4560 liters
Crew & Passengers: Crew + 12 Passengers

January 24, 2012