VESSEL REVIEW | Furioso – Fast crewboat to support Northern European offshore wind sector

UK operator OEG Renewables, a division of the OEG Energy Group, recently took delivery of a new windfarm crewboat built by Manor Marine to a design by Chartwell Marine. Furioso will initially be operated under a five-year charter supporting operations and maintenance (O&M) activities at offshore wind farms in Germany.

The new catamaran crewboat was built and commissioned in-house by OEG Renewables. Tailored to the specific needs of the offshore wind industry, the vessel belongs to a series that has been designed to deliver cost-effective, low-emission support of wind farm operations and maintenance.

Designed with operator and end customer input

Chartwell Marine said the new crewboat was developed with the aid of experience that the company gained from designing earlier offshore wind support vessels for other customers. Design inputs were also contributed by crewboat operators, offshore wind farm owners, and turbine manufacturers, thus ensuring that the vessel will respond directly to the needs of the end user.

The vessel is sized to be capable and effective even in the challenging conditions at offshore wind farms. Chartwell Marine said this was made possible partly by applying the lessons that the company learned while supporting other European vessel projects throughout construction and operation.

Enhanced comfort during fast transits

Furioso has an LOA of 27.8 metres (91.2 feet), a beam of 9.4 metres (31 feet), a draught of only 1.5 metres (4.9 feet), a top speed of 30 knots, and a crew of three. The vessel features an optimised hull form that ensures exceptional manoeuvrability and stability, while its spacious interior can accommodate up to 32 personnel in flexible configurations for enhanced comfort during extended offshore stays. The interior features IMO HSC-compliant reclining seats, crew berths, and a large wetroom/changing room for use by both technicians and crew.

A unique wheelhouse configuration ensures that the helm operator has total control and complete visibility. The windscreens are slightly reverse-angled to help reduce any glare seen from the helm station.

Optimised for Northern Europe's offshore waters

Safety is assured by the absence of steps and other tripping hazards and by the positioning of designated walkways, handrails, and sliding rails. Cargo including both 10-foot and 20-foot containers can meanwhile be transported on the open foredeck, which also has a knuckle boom crane installed slightly offset to starboard.

Furioso is the latest vessel to join the current active fleet of OEG Renewables, which also operates in support of customers in the UK, other countries in Europe, and Taiwan. The vessel currently sails under the German flag.