Offshore services provider High Speed Transfers (HST) Marine and Damen Shipyards have signed a contract for the supply of three new Fast Crew Suppliers 2710s, the first hybrid examples of this Damen range.
The three vessels will be fitted with 190kW battery arrays that will enable them to operate emissions-free both when in harbour and when loitering offshore awaiting the retrieval of technicians. In zero-emission mode, the vessels will be propelled by an electric motor that is connected via the gearbox (PTI) to the propeller shaft. When sailing in diesel-mode, the electrical motors are able to work in reverse as PTO and can be used to charge the batteries and provide the hotel load for the vessel.
With the FCS 2710 Hybrids already in build at Damen Shipyards Antalya, Turkey, in anticipation of future demand, the delivery of all three will take place in early 2024. HST will be closely involved throughout as a key part of the build team, with all involved working together to ensure their success. Once operational, the FCS 2710s will receive ongoing support and maintenance services from Damen’s service hub located at Portsmouth on the UK’s south coast, as part of Damen’s commitment to providing through-life support for its vessels. They will be IMO Tier III compliant and feature the latest upgrades made to the class based on customer feedback and technological advances.
The development and build of these innovative crew transfer vessels is a milestone in Damen’s goal of providing a full range of sustainable vessels to support the offshore clean energy sector. In order to meet market demand, Damen is investing further in building additional stock vessels both at Damen Antalya in Turkey and in Damen Song Cam shipyards in Vietnam.
The delivery will enhance the low emission credentials of HST Marine’s fleet of crew transfer vessels. An existing and valued customer of Damen since its foundation, HST Marine is now part of Purus Wind, the offshore wind business of Purus Marine, a company that provides low-carbon maritime transportation and infrastructure systems. HST’s current Damen fleet includes conventional FCS 2710s and a Multi Cat 2309.
Tom Nevin, CEO HST and Business Head Purus Wind said: “The addition of the FCS 2710 Hybrids to our fleet supports our strong commitment to providing low-carbon solutions to our customers in offshore wind.”
Damen sales manager UK and Ireland Frederik van der Linde said: “We are delighted that HST Marine is the inaugural customer for this ground-breaking CTV class. Tom and his team brought the first FCS 2710 into the market and now they are acquiring the first 2710 Hybrid. Their foresight and confidence in Damen has played an important role in the evolution of the modern CTV and we are very proud that they are taking delivery of these high-end vessels. It is testimony to the strength of our relationship based on mutual trust and cooperation.”
