Equinor has contracted Seacat Services to provide crew transfer vessels to support ongoing operations and maintenance at the 317MW Sheringham Shoal offshore wind farm off the coast of Norfolk in England.
The 21-metre Seacat Endeavour and Seacat Reliance will operate on site all year round, and between March and October they will be joined on site by a larger 24-metre catamaran.
Seacat Services’ vessels and crews will provide logistical support to the Equinor technical teams, assisting with scheduled and unscheduled maintenance by conducting the transfer of technicians and O&M equipment to and from Wells Harbour.
Endeavour and Reliance, Seacat Services are ‘shallow-draft’ vessels that meet the unique requirements for servicing Sheringham Shoal from Wells Harbour, which is smaller and shallower than other UK ports, Seacat said.
Seacat Services said it also has provision of “first person on scene – intermediate” trained personnel that meets the needs of Sheringham Shoal.
“This capability complements Equinor’s existing FPOS training for technicians working at Sheringham Shoal and the nearby Dudgeon offshore wind farm, ensuring that teams on site are well-placed to respond rapidly to medical emergencies,” the company said.
Seacat Services managing director Ian Baylis said: “A high standard of vessel support is a critical factor in the safe and cost-effective operation of an offshore wind farm.
“The industry is increasingly recognising the importance of stable supplier relationships to drive operational efficiencies, combined with the logistical versatility to ensure maximum ‘time on turbine’ for technicians.”
Equinor power plant manager Karl Butler said: “Collaboration and close relations with our suppliers is essential to ensure safe and efficient operations.
“We are looking forward to working with Seacat Services and wish all the team a warm welcome to Sheringham Shoal.”