Page 41: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (May 2015)

shore wind industry. With bow and stern includes a panel discussion entitled thrusters supporting the propulsion of ‘Windfarm Access Vessels - are catama- fast variable pitch propellers the 24m rans the right solution?’

Cat-SWATH can reach speeds of up to As the world starts to look at the vi- 23 knots. The vessel aims to enable op- ability of ocean energy, the current crop erators to undertake boat landings in up of specialist catamarans will be consid- 2.5 metre signi? cant wave height. ered as the benchmarks that next genera-

The coastal countries of northern Eu- tion renewable energy support craft will rope are all experienced maritime na- evolve from.

tions with access to innovative design, The US Bureau of Ocean Energy high technology and solid construction Management (BOEM) has seen strong expertise that has helped to develop the interest in offshore renewable energy vessels that support offshore wind. The projects on the Outer Continental Shelf. last 10 years has seen the wind farm ser- BOEM is working closely with various vice vessel market expand signi? cantly east and west coastal states regarding with a steady evolution in design as the offshore energy development and is in operators aim to become more competi- the process of coordinating federal-state tive and meet charterer’s requirements. task forces.

Key drivers for new designs are fuel ef- There are lessons to be learned from ? ciency and the ability to access wind northern Europe which accounts for the farms in higher sea states. US ‘start smart’ approach to offshore re-

At the UK Seawork event in June 2015 newable energy.

The Author

John Haynes is an Associate Fellow of the

Nautical Institute, a Yachtmaster Ocean and Advanced Powerboat Instructor. Subject matter expertise includes high speed craft consultancy, product development and spe- cialist training. He is Operations Director of f

Shock Mitigation www.shockmitigation.com and founder of the RIB & High Speed Craft

Directory that brings together specialist boats and equipment for the sub IMO / sub 24m professional sector worldwide www.ribandhsc.com

MR #5 (34-41).indd 41 MR #5 (34-41).indd 41 5/4/2015 9:50:02 AM5/4/2015 9:50:02 AM