UK: Alnmaritec Announces Delivery of WFSV Dalby Esk

Alnmaritec, the specialist aluminium boat builder based in Northumberland, recently announced the delivery of ‘Dalby Esk’ the second of the new ‘Wave Master ‘class of wind farm support vessels, to Dalby Offshore Renewables.

The new vessel has a multi-purpose capability for survey and dive support as well as wind farm service roles and she already has her first contract working on the Outer Gabbard wind farm as a crew transfer and logistics vessel, with the prime role been refuelling and transfer of equipment around the field

In the renewable energy sector Alnmaritec has unrivalled experience and the company has continually developed the designs of its wind farm service vessels to keep ahead of the market’s ever increasing expectations. The company is now onto its sixth generation design which has culminated in the new ‘Wave Master’ class. The Dalby Esk measures 20m x 7.2m and she is fitted with twin MTU engines and fixed pitch propellers giving her a top speed of 28.5 knots. On her large working deck she has the capability to take a 20 ft container and she is fitted with a knuckle boom crane, high pressure washers and fuel transfer station. Below deck she has sleeping accommodation for four and in the main saloon she has seating and mess facilities for 12 passengers together with galley, WC, shower and wet areas. In the upper wheelhouse she has a dedicated survey station with facilities for three surveyors as well as the helmsman and crew.

Her unique hull form which was developed over six months last year using extensive CFD modelling and towing tank testing offers superb sea keeping characteristics and in describing her performance recently Stuart McNiven Managing Director of Dalby Offshore commented – “We are delighted with the delivery of the Dalby Esk, she is performing above expectations and offers a high level of comfort for passengers on extended transit times. The Esk offers potential clients a multi functional solution, with one of the main features been a large open deck capable of carrying a multitude of supplies and equipment coupled with high fuel delivery capacity. Alnmaritec have incorporated a number of innovative technical solutions into the vessel’s design and early indications are that she performs exceptionally well in severe weather. The delivery of the Esk has cemented our excellent working relationship with the Alnmaritec team and we look forward to the announcement of further developments in the near future. ”