The fastest crew transfer boats come the UK’s offshore wind industry.

Ørsted have commissioned three new vessels called Surface Effect Ships (SES) to improve the journey for technicians to turbines.

 

Ørsted, over the last couple of years, have trialled and investigated different options for transfer to the turbine, and today can reveal that three SES vessels have been signed for with World Marine Offshore.

 

The SES is twice as fast as a normal Crew Transfer Vessel, meaning Ørsted’s technicians will be able to get to turbines a lot quicker.

 

The new vessels have technology to help the waves pass under the vessel, with an air cushion that acts as a damper, ensuring much more stable transfers to and from the wind turbines. There is also 25% reduced fuel consumption compared to competing vessels in high speed.

 

The three vessels will be in operation on the East Coast of England from June 15^th.  One will be on hire, with two being new builds for Ørsted.

 

Hans Schneider, CEO of World Marine Offshore: “We are excited to partner with Ørsted and in supplying the innovative SES technology. This secures a comfortable, safe, and fuel-efficient solution, and helps towards a lower Levelized Cost of Energy. From the early trials back in 2019-20 to now, we are at the exciting part of the process with delivering the fastest and most stable vessels in the wind industry”

 

The first SES vessel was deployed at a trial in Denmark back in early 2019. Assessing performance, talking to suppliers, and refining the design have led to a robust setup for our Race Bank wind farm where the SES vessels will replace the hotel like Service Operations Vessel currently operating the wind farm.

 

Mikkel Windolf, Senior Product Innovation Manager at Orsted: “Technology is constantly evolving and changing. However, vessel designs have remained relatively stable in the offshore wind business until now. The SES design is for the specific sites where transit distance and time suits. The SES vessel is signalling a change for the offshore market to move towards more specialised product that is aimed at solving unique challenges.”