Offshore Vessel News Roundup | August 30 – Crewboats in France, Ireland and the UK and a new Dutch-designed harsh environment drilling rig

New crewboats are slated to soon enter service with operators in France, Ireland, and the UK while a Dutch design firm unveils a new type of drilling rig boasting various emissions reduction technologies.

France’s GE Renewables takes delivery of locally-built crewboat

France’s GE Renewables has taken delivery of a crewboat built by OCEA to a design by local naval architecture firm Mauric.

Inno’vent is notable for being the first crewboat to be designed and built locally in France. A second crewboat from the same series is currently under construction.

The crewboat will be operated by Louis Dreyfus Armateurs in support of activities at the Saint-Nazaire offshore wind farm in French waters.

Fast crewboat joins Farra Marine fleet

Irish operator Farra Marine has taken delivery of a new catamaran crewboat from Damen Shipyards Antalya in Turkey.

Farra Lark measures 27 metres long and has capacity for 26 passengers. An SCR system enables the vessel to comply with IMO Tier III regulations.

The newbuild will operate primarily in Irish and UK waters.

North Star christens hybrid daughtercraft

UK operator North Star recently christened the newest hybrid vessel to join its fleet of windfarm support daughtercraft.

The vessel was christened Grace Darling in honour of an Englishwoman who became famous for rescuing the stranded survivors of a wrecked merchant ship travelling from Hull to Dundee in 1838.

The newbuild is the first of four hybrid craft being built by Alicat Workboats for North Star. Design work was provided by Chartwell Marine.

Seacat Services’ newest crewboat hits the water

A new crewboat slated for UK operator Seacat Services was recently floated out at the facilities of Isle of Wight shipbuilder Diverse Marine.

Designed by BAR Technologies, Seacat Columbia has a length of 30 metres and active foiling systems to correct for pitch and roll.

BAR Technologies said that the vessel will be able to operate in more challenging conditions compared to current catamaran designs. This then means offshore wind turbines may be serviced under a greater number of sea states.

Dutch designer proposes low-emission drilling rig

Dutch engineering firm Huisman Equipment has unveiled the first images of a proposed semi-submersible offshore drilling rig that will be capable of operating even in harsh environments.

The rig will be fitted with features aimed at helping reduce emissions. Features include a hybrid electric power system, low-drag electrified robotic drilling system, and a heave-compensated drilling floor to enable operation in rough seas.

The rig will be powered with onshore-produced hydroelectricity supplied via a power cable from a nearby platform. Alternatively, it can be powered by two floating wind turbines moored next to the rig.