The latest vessels, designed by Chartwell Marine, will be the first equipped with a new foil optimisation and stability system (FOSS) from BAR Technologies. The system enhances vessel stability, improving comfort for offshore wind technicians, and create substantial operational efficiency gains.

Changing operational profiles for offshore wind projects as they move further from shore, combined with growing industry awareness of the fundamental metrics that govern safe, fuel-efficient vessel operation, are driving evolution in vessel design. Optimising the vessel in this way contributes to reduced fuel burn and emissions, with efficiency savings of up to 15%, representing a valid alternative to hybrid designs.

The pair of FOSS equipped vessels – to be named Seacat Sceptre and Seacat Sovereign – will bring increased versatility to the fleet, particularly for testing deep water charters.

They will also further commitments to pursuing solutions for more fuel-efficient vessel operations that do not compromise performance at sea.

The order strengthens the collaboration between four South Coast UK-based businesses as they continue to bolster a robust local offshore energy supply chain. Delivery of the vessels is scheduled for the spring of 2022 and 2023.