24-month, four-workboat, charter service agreement to provide DONG Energy with construction support across the Race Bank offshore wind project (photo: Seacat Services)

DONG Energy, developer of offshore wind projects, and offshore energy support vessel operator, Seacat Services, have confirmed a 2-year, four-workboat crew transfer deal to support construction operations at the 580-MW Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm.

As offshore wind developers begin construction on current projects in the UK, there is a strong demand for experienced and highly capable supporting contractors equipped to facilitate the installation of new, increasingly sophisticated, sites.

With all 91 turbines at Race Bank to be fully commissioned by 2018, construction of the project will demand the highest possible level of workboat availability – something that can present significant challenges for developers when undertaking large-scale installations far out to sea.

Seacat Services provides the market with first-class workboats capable of delivering technicians safely and comfortably to site in the toughest of environments. The operator’s fleet of DNV-GL 1A1 HSLC R1 Service 1 classified vessels, all built locally on the Isle of Wight by South Boats, is able to deliver large cargo payloads, at high speed.

Under the terms of the agreement with DONG Energy, the first charter day took place on 1 April 2016.

“The construction timeline for UK offshore wind projects requires highly capable partners to deliver projects in a manner that keeps developments on time and on budget” says Ian Baylis, Managing Director, Seacat Services.

“So far, we’re proud to say that the UK maritime sector has delivered when it comes to supporting this growing industry. Our work with DONG Energy on Race Bank over the coming months will enable us to channel further investment into the local supply chain by providing opportunities for local crew and supporting services.”

“Furthermore, this contract award is a testament to the hard work carried out by Seacat crews on DONG Energy’s Westermost Rough construction project and we look forward to continuing our relationship with the project development team.”

Tags: DONG Energy, Seacat Services