Isle of Wight-based Seacat Services, a leading operator of offshore energy support vessel (OESVs), has signed a multi-million-pound contract to build a next-generation catamaran for use in the offshore wind sector.

The Seacat Weatherly, designed by Southampton-based Chartwell Marine (www.chartwellmarine.com), will be constructed by Diverse Marine and Aluminium Marine Consultants (AMC) in Cowes. The contract includes an option for a second vessel.

Scheduled for completion in March 2020, the Seacat Weatherly will accommodate 24 industrial personnel (alongside four crew) and will have one of the largest foredecks on the market, enhancing her cargo-carrying capacity; she has been optimised for safety, with designated walkways, handrails and safety sliding rails positioned for safe crew transfer operations. The wheelhouse configuration provides total control and complete visibility during complex operations.”

Ben Colman, managing director of Diverse Marine (www.diversemarine.co.uk), said: “On the Isle of Wight, we have a world-leading heritage in the build of offshore wind support vessels. Working alongside AMC, we’re now excited to be pioneering the next generation of workboats, as the offshore wind market expands in the UK and globally.”