Island Offshore service offshore vessel hired for wind farm development

Norway’s Island Offshore has chartered its walk-to-work service offshore vessel (SOV), Island Crown, to Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy as it completes preparatory work for the commissioning of the GBP 2.5 billion East Anglia One offshore wind farm on behalf of ScottishPower Renewables. The 102 turbines at the wind farm, which is located just over 40kms from the UK’s Suffolk coast, will generate 714 MW of electricity when the facility is commissioned next year, sufficient to provide clean energy for about 630,000 homes.

The Island Crown has been fixed for 275 days, with an option period of a further 90 days. Commercial terms have not been disclosed. The 96.8m-long vessel has accommodation for up to 100 persons and is equipped with a helipad for fast personnel transfer when required. On the East Anglia One project, the vessel will provide comfortable living conditions for about 40 personnel to remain offshore for up to two weeks at a time.

Håvard Ulstein, Island Offshore’s managing director, commented: “We are very pleased to have secured more work for Island Crown with Siemens Gamesa. This new contract provides stability both for our crew and for us as owners, as well as saved time in terms of familiarisation for both Island Offshore and Siemens Gamesa. For the last 11 months, Siemens Gamesa has proved to be an excellent charterer and collaborating partner, and we look forward to continue our good relationship with the company.”