THE FIRST OF two new bespoke crew transfer vessels, delivered last week to experienced Japanese operator Tokyo Kisen Co Ltd for service in Japan’s growing offshore wind energy sector, was the 750th vessel designed by Sydney-based Incat Crowther.
The Class NK 26-metre catamaran CTVs have been developed with Tokyo Kisen to comply with strict local regulations, while also being future proofed for Japan’s evolving regulatory environment. For example, while each vessel will begin its operational life carrying 12 technicians, they are designed to transport up to 24 technicians in safety and comfort thanks to a resiliently mounted superstructure.
Each vessel, constructed by Cheoy Lee shipyard in China, can travel at speeds of up to 28 knots powered by two Yanmar marine diesel engines with a twin CPP propulsion system provided by Servogear.
The main deck of each vessel features a large mess area, two bathrooms and an internal storage and change area. The vessels’ upper deck features an elevated, spacious wheelhouse, as well as a private mess and pantry. The lower decks contain two twin cabins, a workshop space and a utility room.
The vessels’ operational capabilities are also enhanced by the inclusion of Incat Crowther’s resilient-bow technology which reduces impact forces when the vessels are at wind turbine boat landings.
A large forward deck provides a dedicated space for transporting cargo to offshore wind farms with the vessels capable of carrying a deadweight of 35 tonnes.
Incat Crowther’s MD, Europe, Ed Dudson said: “With 48 Incat Crowther-designed CTVs over 25 metres in length either in service or currently under construction, this project will continue to build on Incat Crowther’s successful track record of designing bespoke CTVs for the global offshore wind industry.
“Our resilient-bow technology reduces impact loads and helps enable a high transfer wave height, and we look forward to seeing the vessels operating in Japan in the coming months,” Mr Dudson said.
Incat Crowther was formed in 2005 through a merger of Phil Hercus’s Incat Designs and Lock Crowther’s Crowther Design. It now also has major design centres in the USA and UK.
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