TSM Windcat has brought the “first” French flagged CTV vessel – TSM Windcat 49 – into service.
TSM Windcat 49 is the first vessel to be built to the new French flag regulation for offshore wind in France, allowing the Windcat to transport up to 26 pax up to 30 knots cruising speed, with a hull built in France and outfitting completed in the Netherlands.
The vessel is a continuation of the high performance and highly fuel efficient Windcat MK3.5 design and features IMO TIER III engines with SCR’s to further reduce NOX emissions to extremely low levels.
TSM Windcat 49 has already started work on the St Brieuc Wind Farm and will soon be followed by a sister vessel to further support the construction of this windfarm.
TSM chief executive Loïc Thomas: “We are extremely happy to bring this first very high specification French CTV to the market, after so many years waiting for the offshore wind projects to start in France.
“This is now becoming reality and we are ready – together with our long term partner Windcat Workboats – to provide our clients with a state of the art fleet and very efficient vessels on the French market with a professional crew and strong shore organization.”
Windcat Workboats managing director Willem van der Wel added: “We are proud to see that our long established relationship with TSM has now resulted in the first dedicated CTV built for the French market.
“The collaboration with the French authorities has been key in bringing this vessel into the market.
“I would like to thank the team involved in the construction of the vessel and wish the crew and their passengers many safe days at sea in the French offshore wind farms.”