Offshore energy support vessel (OESV) operator, Seacat Services, has announced that its fleet will reach maximum occupancy for periods of 2018, reflecting the growth of the offshore wind sector. Periods of 2018 will see all of Seacat Services’ 14 vessels under charter, with some contracts extending until 2020.
Contract partners include Ørsted and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, and cover projects such as Suffolk’s Greater Gabbard and Galloper wind farms, and Scotland’s largest offshore wind farm, Beatrice, in the Outer Moray Firth.
Recently, and with the expansion of the offshore wind sector, an ambitious number of projects – having achieved permissions and financing – have begun installation, creating a steady pipeline of construction-based and O&M work for the OESV and wider vessel support markets. This increase in work coincides with a slowdown in the number of new vessels entering the market, as operators come to the end of their immediate build programmes. The resulting shift in the supply-demand balance is likely to see offshore wind developers become increasingly reliant on strong relationships with OESV operators to ensure ongoing high-quality vessel support for projects.
Recently, and with the expansion of the offshore wind sector, an ambitious number of projects – having achieved permissions and financing – have begun installation, creating a steady pipeline of construction-based and O&M work for the OESV and wider vessel support markets. This increase in work coincides with a slowdown in the number of new vessels entering the market, as operators come to the end of their immediate build programmes. The resulting shift in the supply-demand balance is likely to see offshore wind developers become increasingly reliant on strong relationships with OESV operators to ensure ongoing high-quality vessel support for projects.
