Wight Shipyard Co breaks into the windfarm market

Wight Shipyard Co Ltd (WSC) is breaking into the Windfarm Support Vessel (WFSV) market with the launch of its new Vortisea brand. The Vortisea brand, designed in collaboration with ’s Crowther, is specifically geared towards European and UK windfarms, particularly those further offshore, with the operator’s expectancy for flexibility, speed and operational efficiency. “It’s fitting that being so well established in the fast ferry sector we have chosen to enter the WFSV market. There is still a niche to be filled. We will be targeting all operators, but particularly those looking for a very high-quality vessel build in Europe,” said Peter Morton, CEO, WSC. Collaboration WSC is no stranger to working with Incat Crowther. Back in February, a collaboration between the two companies delivered a multi-million- pound export order for a 250-passenger river ferry to Twin City Liner (TCL) in Vienna, Austria, and earlier this month saw the launch of two 37m fast ferries due for export to Ultramar in Cancún, . WSC has a long-established pedigree in the ferry building sector with customers including MBNA Thames Clippers and Red Funnel. But this is the first time the yard has ventured into the renewables sector. “Incat Crowther is the best partner for this brand of vessel and we’re no stranger to working with them,” added Mr Morton. “We’ve always been impressed with the designer’s ability to turn its hand to any type of vessel and it has a professionalism to be rivalled.” Spec Ed Dudson, Managing Director, Incat Crowther, said that the WFSV Vortisea vessel has been designed to meet the latest standards in UK, German and Danish-Flag state requirements. “Probably the most important design feature of the vessel is its market-leading wave height capability for transfer and transit, for this reason it was important to take a step forward in traditional WFSV design,” he said. The hull design is exceptionally efficient, constructed from lightweight marine grade aluminium, so it’s an environmentally friendly build resulting in a vessel with low fuel consumption. It is initially available two sizes a 27m and 32m with beams of 9m and 10m respectively. The vessel has multiple machinery options (CPP / FPP / Waterjet / IPS), including hybrid. Operating speeds in excess of 30 knots are achievable depending on the machinery package selected. Installation of a quad engine and propulsion package has the advantage of offering excellent redundancy. Words: 221 Notes to editors About Wight Shipyard Co: Wight Shipyard Co (WSC) is Europe’s leading high-speed craft and aluminium ship builder based on Britain’s Isle of Wight. WSC brings to the ferry and aluminium vessel industry the experience and dedication of a team of handpicked craftspeople from across the world of vessel construction. With this fine pedigree vessel owners and operators have the most progressive solutions and highest quality skills available. Purpose-built, fuel-efficient, WSC vessels deliver high-performance cutting-edge designs. In partnership with its customers and suppliers WSC passionately seek to redefine how fast ferries are built through innovative design and quality construction. For more info visit the website www.wightshipyard.com T: +44 (0) 1983 296560

About Incat Crowther: Incat Crowther is an independent diversified marine design business with offices in Australia, USA and . The company has a 40- year history with over 550 vessels in service to its designs As one of the largest independent design firms in the world, Incat Crowther has a proud history of working with high quality shipyards around the world. For further information contact Ed Dudson, [email protected] For more press information and images, please contact: Sue Stevens Media Ltd E: [email protected] www.suestevensmedia.co.uk/ T: +44 (0) 23 8029 2992 M: 07766 163663 7 Foxhills, Ashurst, Hants, SO40 7ED