Farra Marine expands fleet with seven new CTVs
Irish crew transfer vessel (CTV) owner and operator Farra Marine, has expanded its fleet of CTVs after ordering a further seven vessels from Singapore-based Penguin Shipyard International.
The new CTVs – part of the WindFlex-27 series – will, when complete, see Farra Marine boast a fleet of fourteen CTVs servicing the UK and European offshore wind industry. By early 2024, thirteen of them will be Incat Crowther-designed, Penguin-built vessels. The new WindFlex-27s have been customised to meet Farra Marine’s special operational requirements, following discussions between Farra Marine CEO Martin Rice, Incat Crowther, and Penguin. The WindFlex-27 features a high deadweight capacity (50t), plush seating for up to 24 pax and Incat
Crowther’s Resilient Bow Technology, which ensures safe and efficient operations in up to 2m significant wave height. The system ensures passenger transfers in up to 1.75m significant wave height.
For the 2023 series, the WindFlex-27 will be powered by IMO Tier III Volvo Penta D16 main engines, which represents a significant step forward in emissions reduction.
The vessel’s main deck features a spacious passenger lounge, a wet room and ample toilet facilities. There are three large, protected cargo zones in front of the deckhouse.
The upper deckhouse features the wheelhouse, a crew mess and pantry, and a bathroom. The hull below the main deck is fitted with sleeping quarters for four crew, including two bathrooms. Mr Rice says, the seven newly redesigned vessels are the result of a close collaborative relationship with Incat Crowther and Penguin. “When we were selecting a supplier to help expand our fleet, it was important to partner with companies that had the capability and expertise to deliver, as well as one who was willing to genuinely listen to our unique needs and requirements. Incat Crowther and Penguin jointly met our every requirement. The result of this collaboration is seven new vessels that are truly tailored to our operations in European
waters. During a period of rapid growth for Farra Marine, I’ve enjoyed working with Incat Crowther and Penguin to build up our fleet. With the addition of our new vessels, we will offer our clients a truly bespoke service and remain ahead of the game here in Europe.”
Incat Crowther’s Managing Director – Europe, Ed Dudson, states that the collaborative design process was a sign of the strong partnership between Incat Crowther, Penguin and Farra Marine. “We are extremely proud of our long-term relationship with Farra Marine and Penguin. This project has been built on Incat Crowther’s proven co-design capabilities where our clients’ needs and requirements are at the centre of our process. With the offshore wind power industry growing in the UK and Europe, the addition of these bespoke and state-of-the-art CTVs to Farra Marine’s fleet means they are perfectly placed to continue to meet the increasing demand for their services. This project once again proves Incat Crowther’s capabilities to work with and deliver for our clients in the rapidly expanding global offshore wind industry.”
The seven new CTVs are expected to be delivered in 2023 and early 2024.