Seacat Services has bolstered its 14-vessel offshore service fleet with the addition of Seacat Enterprise and the upgraded Seacat Courageous.
The company said the boats are certified under the new High Speed – Offshore Service Craft (HS-OSC) code, which allows vessels under 500 tonnes to carry up to 60 personnel.
Both vessels are ‘dual-classified’ under the new code and the existing workboat code, which means that they can be licensed to carry 12 passengers under the latter rules and as an HS-OSC craft to carry a further 12 ‘industrial’ personnel.
“In making this distinction between ‘passengers’ and ‘industrial personnel’, HS-OSC recognises the extensive safety training undertaken by offshore wind technicians and affords vessel operators greater versatility in meeting the demands of supporting large-scale construction project,” Seacat said.
Seacat Enterprise is a 27-metre catamaran that can carry up to four 20-foot containers in addition to 24 personnel and ship’s crew.
The 26-metre Seacat Courageous was originally launched in February 2015 as a 12-seater, but has been upgraded to a 24-seater.
Seacat Services managing director Ian Baylis said: “The introduction of the HS-OSC code is a welcome development for the UK offshore wind sector, enhancing the service provided by vessel operators like Seacat Services as we gear up for the upcoming construction phase.”
Image: Seacat Services
