Strategic Marine of Singapore has delivered two 27m crew transfer vessels (CTVs) to WEM Marine, the pair of vessels, built to the company’s Stratcat 26 design, being the first CTVs to be launched from Strategic’s new Benoi Road shipyard.
WEM 5 and WEM 6 have been designed to meet the operational requirements for UK and European waters where they will enter service. They are each powered by two Caterpillar C32 engines driving FP propellers.
When fully operational, 24 technicians and six crew will be comfortably accommodated onboard and personnel transfer to the wind turbines is facilitated by a patented active fendering system. WEM 5 and WEM 6 are sister vessels to two CTVs delivered to WEM Marine in summer 2021 and all four have been delivered on schedule and to budget, despite the challenges of the global pandemic.
David Ford, MD of WEM Marine joining the crew on sea trials, during which both vessels delivered speed exceeding 26 knots.
Ford said: “I am delighted to accept delivery of these two vessels, which will form an integral part of our fleet. Joining the Strategic Marine team for the sea trials further cemented our close working relationship and Strategic Marine’s professionalism, commitment to quality and attention to detail has made it a pleasure to follow the progress of these two vessels from design and build, through to delivery.”
Chan Eng Yew, CEO Strategic Marine, said: “This latest delivery further cements Strategic Marine’s solid, proven reputation for building CTVs for renewable energy industries all around the world and builds upon our excellent relationship with WEM Marine. Our customers value our experience and our ability to effectively tailor our vessel design to different operational requirements, ensuring the finished vessel is absolutely fit for purpose.”
Paolo Moretti, CEO RINA Services, added: “The demand for more and more specialised vessels to meet the operational needs of this important sector has helped to deliver many advancements and technological developments – as demonstrated by these two new vessels. Working with Strategic Marine on the construction supervision and classification process has been smooth and straightforward.”
