Wight Shipyard, located on the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom, has launched a Windfarm Support Vessel (WFSV) design under its new Vortisea brand. The concept, designed in collaboration with Australia’s Incat Crowther, is specifically geared towards European and UK windfarms, particularly those further offshore.
'It’s fitting that being so well established in the fast ferry sector, we have chosen to enter the WFSV market. There is still a niche to be filled. We will be targeting all operators, but particularly those looking for a very high-quality vessel built in Europe,' said Peter Morton, CEO at Wight Shipyard.
WFSV Vortisea Design
The WFSV Vortisea vessel has been designed to meet the latest standards in UK, German and Danish-flag state requirements. The efficient catamaran hull design is constructed from lightweight marine grade aluminium. It is initially available two sizes: a 27-metre and 32-metre version with beams of nine and ten metres respectively.
The vessel has multiple machinery options (CPP/FPP/Waterjet), including hybrid. Operating speeds in excess of thirty knots are achievable depending on the machinery package selected. Installation of a quad engine and propulsion package has the advantage of offering good redundancy. The vessel can be deployed for transit and transfer in excess of two metres significant wave height.
Collaboration
Wight Shipyard has worked with Incat Crowther before. In February, a collaboration between the two companies delivered a multi-million-pound export order for a 250-passenger river ferry to Twin City Liner (TCL) in Vienna, Austria. Earlier this month saw the launch of two 37-metre fast ferries due for export to Ultramar in Cancún, Mexico.
