Magic and Mischief from South Boats
South Boats IOW, the manufacturer of Wind Farm Service Vessels
(WFSV), has secured a major £6m new vessel order from offshore energy crew
transfer operator, Seacat Services.
As part of the agreement, South Boats IOW, that has a
long-standing commitment to safeguard its manufacturing, service and repair
facility on the Isle of Wight, has confirmed that it will build two new
state of the art aluminum hulled catamarans.
The two new 24m offshore wind farm workboats, to be named
Seacat Magic and Seacat Mischief, will be built to a brand new design specification
and are scheduled for launch in November 2015 and February 2016 respectively.
With two significant offshore wind projects proposed for
the South Coast – the Navitus Bay and Rampion wind farms – and a host
of further projects already under construction in UK and European waters,
demand for high quality support vessels is set to reach an all-time high
between now and 2020.
In order to cater for this anticipated increase in vessel
demand, South Boats IOW has worked closely with local charter services
firm, Seacat Services, to ensure that the British boat builder continues
to meet the needs of Seacat Services’ ambitious build programme.
South Boats IOW has already manufactured all eight catamarans
owned and operated by Seacat Services, with each new vessel benefitting
from South Boats IOW’s tank-testing programme.
In 2014, South Boats IOW reaffirmed its commitment to
invest in two strategic regional manufacturing, service and repair hubs
in the UK. Combined, the two hubs – one located in Great Yarmouth,
and one located in Cowes – have enabled the British boat builder to cement
its position as a leading vessel supplier to what remains a rapidly expanding
domestic offshore energy market.
To date, South Boats IOW has already invested more than
£1.6m in the two facilities, to enable the introduction of a 24-hour operational
hoist, designed for the fast lift out and turnaround of repairs, paint
touch ups and general maintenance.
“As the largest British boat builder to be manufacturing
DNV classified vessels and with a keen eye on helping to meet the needs
of the wider European market, we’re delighted to confirm this latest vessel
order that underlines and reinforces our long-term belief of investing
in regional economies to enable future business growth,” said Ben Colman,
South Boats IOW.
“Indeed, in the past twenty four months, the Cowes facility
alone has manufactured fifteen new workboats and undertaken and completed
an extensive service and repair programme for key customers and clients.
With a strong order book and with an ongoing commitment to the local market,
we look forward to working with Seacat Services and other key strategic
partners, throughout 2015.”
Ian Baylis, Managing Director, Seacat Services, added,
“From the outset, our business strategy has been focused around the provision
of first class customer service that’s underpinned by the availability
and use of the very best possible vessels and kit. As we gear up
for significant domestic expansion, we’re therefore delighted to be extending
out our existing strategic build programme with South Boats IOW and reaffirming
our collective commitment to the Isle of Wight.”
In the past twelve months, South Boats IOW has won in
excess of £25m orders that have been delivered by a team of 250 specialist
personnel, operating out of the two strategic manufacturing hubs.
Build slots are now being taken for 2016.