Latest BMT-designed SATV in service in Taiwan

Designed by BMT, a new 36m Service Accommodation Transfer Vessel (SATV) successfully completed an extensive sea trials program for owners Ventus Marine and charterers Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE). The vessel has commenced operations and maintenance activities on the Formosa 1 site, an offshore wind farm project in Taiwan. BMT partnered with Penguin Shipyard International for the project.

The design of the 36m SATV seemingly makes this the first vessel of its kind anywhere in the world. Its design offers greater operational versatility, providing long term offshore accommodation while still being able to push up against the turbine to transfer technicians. It’s claimed that this new concept and size of vessel will be able to plug the gap, where a full size SOV (service operation vessel) would be unsuitable and too expensive.

The hull form is based on BMT’s ModCat range which offers improved seakeeping performance, but with a minimal resistance penalty. The improved vessel motion is also complemented by a full active ride control system.

The design utilises the third generation of BMT’s patented Active Fender System™. BMT has designed the next generation of the system specifically for larger vessels like the SATV to land on wind turbine generators with a significantly reduced impact load, enabling the safe transfer of service technicians onto the towers. All sleeping accommodation is above the main deck where noise levels will be kept to a minimum through the use of a resiliently mounted super structure, both of which are a first for a transfer vessel of this size.

“It’s fantastic to be a part of continually developing offshore renewables industry, particularly with such exciting projects like the SATV,” says Chris Witty, Technical Lead for Specialised Ship Design. “The design brief really allowed us the freedom to devise the optimal configuration, from both a comfort and a workflow perspective.”