The optimised design for a windfarm support vessel (WFSV) under the Japanese flag adds to BMT’s expanding portfolio of WFSV’s operating worldwide and establishes a presence for BMT in the country’s fast-growing offshore wind sector
8 June 2020
BMT have recently designed their first two WFSV’s, specifically designed for operation in Japan. Currently in build by Cheoy Lee Shipyards at their Hin Lee (Zhuhai) Shipyard facility, the two 27m WFSV’s add to BMT’s growing portfolio with the shipyard.
BMT have designed the new 27m vessel specifically for operations and maintenance of the Akita and Noshiro offshore wind farms, in the Akita Prefecture region of Japan. The farm is the first large-scale commercial offshore wind project in the country with an expected combined output of 139 MW. BMT undertook metocean data studies which have enabled the vessel design to be tailored to the local conditions, ensuring the manoeuvrability, performance and redundancy of the vessel are optimum for its operational environment.
“As the first utility-scale offshore wind project in Japan, BMT are pleased to secure this vessel design order and to support Akita Offshore Wind Corporation (“AOW”) in the development and operation of the Akita Noshiro Offshore Wind Farm Project,” said James Lewis – BMT Specialised Ship Design sector lead for Offshore Energy.
“As Japan progresses towards a clean energy future powered by offshore wind, BMT are ready to play our part, along with the rest of the AOW partners.” added Mr Lewis.
The design is a fully classed vessel, built to Class NK rules, ensuring the highest of build standards. Fitted with BMT’s patented Active Fender System™, they are capable of carrying 12 technicians and 3 crew and will provide safe, comfortable and reliable technician transfers allowing AOW to carry out efficient operations and maintenance activities off the shores of Japan.
Powered by four engines with four waterjets, the vessel will provide good fuel efficiency during different modes of operation as well as unrivalled redundancy. The new 27m WFSV will travel at up to 25 knots, with a deadweight capacity of 30 tonnes to meet ever expanding O&M requirements for wind turbines. The first 27m WFSV is set to be launched in December this year, with the delivery to the operator in early 2021.
7 July 2020
Each year, Maritime Safety Week marks the UK government’s recognition of the excellent safety work that goes on across the maritime sector. Now in its third year, it provides a valuable opportunity to focus on specific safety challenges and what is being done to tackle them, as well as helping to share knowledge, experience and best practice and to deliver key safety messages.
1 July 2020
The two new 70m LNG-fuelled ROPAX ferries ‘Willem Barentsz’ and ‘Willem de Vlamingh’ for Dutch operator Rederij Doeksen set a new benchmark in ROPAX design.
15 June 2020
Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) announces commencement of its research program with commissioning of 17 scoping projects, with BMT’s collaboration to boost ties between industry, researchers and the community.
1 June 2020
BMT reaches important milestone for the Formosa 1, Offshore Wind Farm Project in Taiwan. The BMT-designed Service Accommodation Transfer Vessel (SATV) has now been commissioned and has commenced its first long term charter for Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy.