TRITON KNOLL SELECTS SEACAT SERVICES FOR OFFSHORE VESSEL SUPPORT

Class-leading offshore energy support vessel (OESV) operator Seacat Services has signed a long-term deal to support the construction phase of Triton Knoll offshore wind farm.

The contract, which includes options for further vessel charters, will initially see two Seacat Services OESVs – one 26-metre and one 24-metre catamaran – operating out of Triton Knoll’s new Grimsby construction base, providing specialist crew transfer and logistical support at the 90-turbine, 857MW project off the UK’s East Coast.

With offshore construction set to commence in Q1 2020, the first of the two vessels will begin preparation works at the project this winter, with the second set to join her in April 2020. Both are set to remain on the project until the end of 2021.

Triton Knoll will be the next major offshore wind construction project to enter UK waters when the first components are installed next year, and has already made significant progress during the installation of the onshore electrical system. Once fully operational, Triton Knoll will be capable of generating enough renewable energy for the equivalent of over 800,000 typical UK households.

Throughout construction, the wind farm project continues to support the ongoing development of the domestic supply chain, and recently launched a local recruitment drive for long term operations technicians on the project. The contract with Isle of Wight-based Seacat Services extends a relationship that has already seen the project owner and vessel operator work together at Galloper Offshore Wind Farm.

Seacat Services’ entire fleet of fourteen state-of-the-art OESVs has been built in the UK, with two further catamarans currently under construction at the Diverse Marine shipyard in Cowes.

Matthias Reiker, Finance Director for Triton Knoll, said: “We’re delighted to bring Seacat Services into the Triton Knoll team, further strengthening our project presence in Grimsby and reinforcing our commitment to the UK’s offshore supply chain.”

“It is vital that the construction of the project is conducted as efficiently as possible while meeting our highest safety standards. In light of this, Seacat Services has proved a natural fit as a vessel provider and we look forward to progressing our state-of-the-art project with them.”

The deal reaffirms the expertise of Seacat Services in managing complex logistical charters for large-scale offshore wind construction projects. For the duration of the contract, the pair of Seacat Services vessels will be operating out of the Port of Grimsby and will work in conjunction with the on-site Service Operation Vessel (SOV) as part of a shift-based approach that will keep them available on a 24-hour basis at the height of construction activity.

Ian Baylis, Managing Director of Seacat Services said: “During the time-sensitive offshore wind construction phase, the importance of a finely-honed approach to vessel management cannot be understated. It not only ensures maximum ‘time-on-turbine’ for project technicians to keep the project on track but can also create wider operational efficiencies that have an impact across the board.”

“Having worked out of Grimsby previously, we’re looking forward to returning later this year and getting the project underway.”

Energy Generation

It is estimated that the average annual generation expected at the site could be equivalent to the approximate domestic needs of an expected minimum of 800,000 average UK households.

Energy predicted to be generated by the proposal is derived using wind speeds monitored in the local area and correlated with long term reference data. The energy capture predicted and hence derived homes equivalent figure may change as further data are gathered.

Equivalent homes supplied is based on an annual electricity consumption per home of 4100 kWh. This figure is supported by recent domestic electricity consumption data available from The Digest of UK Energy Statistics and household figures from the UK National Statistics Authority.

About Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm

Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm is owned by innogy, J-Power and Kansai Electric Power, with innogy managing the construction as well as the long-term operation and maintenance works on behalf of its project partners.

Triton Knoll is a state-of-the-art, 857MW offshore wind farm, consisting of 90 of the world’s most powerful turbines, and representing a significant investment in new UK energy infrastructure. Located 32km off the Lincolnshire coast, Triton Knoll is the largest offshore wind farm currently in construction by majority shareholder innogy and, once fully operational, will be capable generating renewable energy equivalent to the needs of over 800,000 typical UK households.
For more details please visit www.tritonknoll.co.uk

About Seacat Services

Seacat Services is the class leading offshore energy support vessel operator, located in Cowes, UK. With a current fleet of fourteen boats that conform to the highest operational and safety standards, the company operates internationally and works directly with developers, utilities, manufacturers and support services businesses to provide fast and efficient offshore personnel and equipment transfers.
For more details please visit – www.seacatservices.co.uk