FARRA Marine has ordered seven new Incat Crowther-designed crew transfer vessels.
New CTVs – part of the WindFlex-27 series will be built by Penguin Shipyard International in Singapore.
The Irish crew-transfer vessel owner and operator will deploy the vessels in the UK and European offshore wind industry.
By early next year, 13 of the 14 CTVs in Farra Marine’s fleet will be Incat Crowther-designed, Penguin-built vessels.
The new WindFlex-27s were customised to meet Farra Marine’s special operational requirements, following discussions between Farra Marine CEO Martin Rice, Incat Crowther and Penguin.
The WindFlex-27 features a high deadweight capacity (50 tonnes), seating for up to 24 passengers and Incat Crowther’s resilient bow technology, which ensures safe and efficient operations in up to two-metre wave height.
For the 2023 series, the WindFlex-27 will be powered by IMO Tier III Volvo Penta D16 main engines, which represents a significant step forward in emissions reduction.
The vessel’s main deck features a passenger lounge, a wet room and toilet facilities. There are three large, protected cargo zones in front of the deckhouse.
The upper deckhouse features the wheelhouse, a crew mess and pantry and a bathroom. The hull below the main deck is fitted with sleeping quarters for four crew, including two bathrooms.
Mr Rice said the seven newly redesigned vessels are the result of a close collaborative relationship with Incat Crowther and Penguin.
“When we were selecting a supplier to help expand our fleet, it was important to partner with companies that had the capability and expertise to deliver, as well as one who was willing to genuinely listen to our unique needs and requirements,” he said.
“Incat Crowther and Penguin jointly met our every requirement. The result of this collaboration is seven new vessels that are truly tailored to our operations in European waters.”
Incat Crowther managing director – Europe Ed Dudson said the collaborative design process was a sign of the strong partnership between Incat Crowther, Penguin and Farra Marine.
“We are extremely proud of our long-term relationship with Farra Marine and Penguin. This project has been built on Incat Crowther’s proven co-design capabilities where our clients’ needs and requirements are at the centre of our process,” he said.
“With the offshore wind power industry growing in the UK and Europe, the addition of these bespoke and state-of-the-art CTVs to Farra Marine’s fleet means they are perfectly placed to continue to meet the increasing demand for their services. This project once again proves Incat Crowther’s capabilities to work with and deliver for our clients in the rapidly expanding global offshore wind industry.”
The seven new vessels are expected to be delivered in 2023 and early 2024.
