New CTV design for offshore wind market from Strategic Marine

Strategic Marine has launched its next generation Strat Cat crew transfer vessel (CTV) designed for the offshore wind market.

An evolution of the Strat Cat 26, the Strat Cat 27 (SC27) is said to meet the increasing demands from the offshore wind industry, offering enhanced vessel capabilities with a reduced environmental footprint and hybrid drive options.

Strategic Marine says the upgraded SC27 has an improved hull design that maximises the waterline length, improving the operational efficiency across a large range of loading conditions and reducing emissions and fuel consumption. It can be fitted with various engine makes, can reach in excess of 30 knots at full speed, and owners can choose between several options on the propulsion system, deck cranes, active fender system and ride control.

“It is with great pleasure that we announce the SC27 following a close and collaborative approach with our design partner BMT,” says Strategic Marine’s technical manager, Greg Daniel. “It is technically advanced with multiple upgrades and propulsion options providing excellent flexibility for our customers.”

The bridge deck layout has improved visibility from the helm and an ergonomic layout which the company says increases comfort for the bridge crew. Feedback from vessel operators, has led to internal arrangements being optimised in an attempt to improve workflow with ample storage space, comfortable sleeping areas and business class seating.

The SC27 is offered with two superstructure options for either 12 or 24 technicians. The larger asymmetric version offers a 30% increase in the main deck cabin compared with the Strat Cat 26, while the smaller version makes the vessel less than 200GT, which in some jurisdictions allows for reduced crew numbers and therefore lower OPEX.

Designed to reduce both the risk of infectious disease and impact on the environment, the SC27 is said to be able to meet relevant Classification Society biosafety and environmentally friendly notations, including Green Passport for ship recycling.

Strategic Marine’s CEO, Chan Eng Yew, says: “Kudos to our product development team which has been hard at work upgrading our best-selling Strat Cat with new and improved solutions to better fit operator needs. The SC27 offers valuable cost savings and efficiency gains which further improves the value Strategic Marine can offer our customers.”