This in from Richard Matthews on behalf of South Boats. Ed
South Boats IOW, the UK’s foremost manufacturer of class-leading 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.
South coast wind farms
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 unique research and development and tank-testing programme.
Cowes-based
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 class 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.
Ben Colman, South Boats IOW, said,
“As the largest British boat builder to be manufacturing DNV-GL 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.
“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.
