CWind has signed an agreement with Dalby Offshore that will add four new vessels to the former’s fleet and provide an option for two more later in the year.
The ships have been renamed – Navigator, Traveller, Renegade and Voyager – and registered to CWind’s East of England hub in Grimsby, where they will support work on several offshore wind farms.
The company said the ships vary in size from 20 metres to 26.5 metres in length, with one able to carry 24 people and two 12 passengers each.
The remaining 12-passenger vessel, Voyager, will be upgraded to accommodate 24 people following completion of her current charter, CWind said.
It added that CWind Navigator is one of the highest spec 2610 vessels on the market following its conversion for the European offshore wind market.
CWind Renegade, a 23-metre vessel, is in the process of being transferred to Bureau Veritas class for an upcoming 18-month charter for a major European developer.
CWind said Traveller is a high-powered vessel with the same capabilities of many larger ships due to increased engine power.
CWind managing director Nat Allison said: “We’re delighted to have reached this long-term agreement with Dalby Offshore.
“The expansion and development of our fleet is key to both our own success and the operational integrity of our clients’ assets, which is more important now than ever before to the UK’s power networks.
“Despite the challenges we are currently facing in our daily lives and business operations, we are committed to supporting our clients in the growth of renewable energy solutions.”
Dalby Offshore managing director Stuart McNiven said: “We are very pleased with this agreement, particularly in light of the difficult period we are all facing in the marine industry and the larger business community.
“These vessels are of a high quality and will certainly add a new dimension to CWind’s fleet.”
CWind was supported throughout negotiations by vessel procurement advisor Colebrook Offshore.
Some of the vessels have already been chartered following a quick turnaround by marine engineering company Alicat Workboats, CWind said.