Welsh firm orders new class of fast crew supplier

Swansea-based High Speed Transfers (HST) has ordered a new class of fast crew supplier from Damen Shipyard Group.

Being built at Gorinchem for delivery in July, the 27.3-metre vessel has a twin-hull, axe bow design.

Designed with input from Vattenvall, Siemens and E-On, the new class is one metre longer and higher than its predecessor and has been upgraded to deliver, “more tank capacity, greater deck space, increased comfort and more accommodation,” said Product Manager Wim Boerma.

It can carry 26 passengers without loss in deck space for cargo.

“The extra metre above the water not only increases the hull volume but also allows the vessel to operate in wave heights of above two metres,” Mr Boerma said.

“This substantially increases the range of weather conditions in which it can be at sea, an important consideration given the longer distances that maintenance crews are now having to travel.”

The new Welsh entry into the offshore transfers sector plans to initially focus on serving the offshore energy sectors in German and UK waters.

HST said it hoped to acquire a fleet of up to six of the vessels over time.