OTS fleet of CTruk workboats grow
03 Oct 2012
C Truk Admiral P
The third CTruk 20T multi-purpose catamaran to join the expanding Offshore Turbine Services fleet is now operational on the London Array. Admiral P joins sister workboats Cardinal P and Captain P.
These are all resin-infusion composite vessels designed and built by CTruk at its base in Brightlingsea, Essex. At Seawork 2013, in addition to a stand in Hall B, CTruk (www.ctruk.com) will present one of its innovative vessels on the pontoons.
Offshore Turbine Services’ aim was to enter and make its mark on an increasingly competitive offshore wind support market. Vessel choice was therefore a key consideration. Nick Bright, OTS Operations Director, has a commercial fishing background and was a firm advocate of aluminium catamarans but, having visited CTruk and evaluated the offering, Mr Bright recalled: “I was sceptical about composite vessels, having spent most of my working life on aluminium boats, but I returned to our base in Hereford a total convert to the numerous benefits of CTruk’s lightweight and robust composite construction.”
CTruk workboats are up to 40% lighter than competitors’, making them extremely fuel efficient. This important advantage, together with a short build time and the savings made with their multi-task functionality, means that the vessels are enjoying great success in what was previously an aluminium-dominated market.
CTruk takes an innovative approach to design and build and has applied for a patent for its flexible pod system. The Brightlingsea shipyard uses vacuum infusion to build composite boats to the highest standards, saving up to 40% on weight, and has developed a modular manufacturing process, increasing production efficiency. The CTruk team has built eight catamaran vessels in two years and is also constructing a SWATH which will increase the current wave height limits for offshore wind farm technician transfer.
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