Strategic Marine, a leading Singapore based shipbuilder has finalized contracts to build an additional pair of the proven StratCat 26m Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) for WEM Marine Ltd (WEM).

WEM is a UK based offshore support vessel (OSV) provider with a growing fleet of new and technologically advanced vessels servicing the offshore wind energy sector.   The company placed its first order for two 27m CTVs with Strategic Marine in September 2020. The vessels were built in Singapore and have since been delivered to WEM in Southampton in July of 2021. This new second pair is scheduled for delivery in April 2022.

WEM Marine’s Managing Director, David Ford said: “WEM has been involved in the UK and European offshore wind farm sector for many years and has successfully operated in most major UK and European wind farm projects.  These new CTV vessels are a key element of our business growth plans as a leading supplier of reliable, safe, fast, fuel efficient, offshore support vessels that are state-of-the-art and fit-for-purpose.”

“We have taken delivery of the first two vessels and have put them to work almost immediately upon their arrival in the UK, and based on the team from Strategic Marine’s professionalism, our excellent working relationship and tailored financing solution, we are delighted to award Strategic Marine this contract for two more vessels.”

Strategic Marine, together with financial investors, offers bespoke financial services to customers encompassing shipbuilding construction financing, leasing option arrangements and investor equity funding with flexible purchase options, to post-delivery financing.

Hans Randklev, Strategic Marine’s General Manager for Commercial added: “We are delighted to win this second contract with WEM.  Our technical expertise, quality of product and tailored financing package has given WEM the confidence to order more CTVs, secure in the knowledge that we will deliver these CTVs on time, on budget and to their specifications.”

“The financial solutions that we can offer alongside our vessel construction capabilities give our customers financial flexibility and assistance in these challenging economic times.  This second contract consolidates our position in the renewable energy market and demonstrates the growing strength of our partnership with WEM.”

The CTVs have been designed to meet WEM’s specific requirements, they will be deployed in UK and European waters as part of the company’s growing fleet servicing the offshore wind energy market.

To improve the safety of personnel during transfer to the turbines the vessels are fitted with the AFS 2 active fendering system. This patented solution allows the vessels to push up with greater confidence and with less risk of damage to the vessels and offshore structures while providing a stable and safe connection for crew in a larger range of sea conditions. The variable distance center section allows easy “safe climbing distance” adjustment.

“The AFS 2 active fendering system is a game changer and give operators a higher safety factor when pushing up on the turbines which translates to less time, cost and emissions per transfer and potentially a larger operating window.” said Jim Fraser, Strategic Marine’s BDM for Europe.

The vessels will be built to RINA class rules with the Green Star 3 notation and will also have a “Green Passport” for safe ship recycling to meet WEM’s company ethos of reducing the environmental footprint of their operations.