New design for windfarm service vessel

Called IMT972, the new design has a length of 72.2m and a deadweight of 1,350 tonnes. It is powered by two Steerprop SP25 or equal 1,900-kW fixed pitch azimuth propulsion units. There is also an option for fitting two 2.5-MW Voith Turbo main thrusters. Frequency-controlled electric motor-driven CPP thruster units are fitted forward, comprising two tunnel-type bow thrusters and one retractable bow thruster for station-keeping and high dynamic performance under manoeuvring or DP conditions.
The SOV can provide accommodation for up to 60 persons, including a crew of 22, and is able to operate for 30 to 45 days, or longer if replenished at sea. The air-conditioned crew facilities include a mess room and recreation room. All accommodation will be fitted with an electronic identity access system, similar to the system used on passenger ships, to help locate personnel at any time.
The main features of the IMT972 include a heave-compensated turbine platform and an aluminium access gangway, arranged with a telescopic frame, which facilitates the transfer of equipment to the platform. A back-up evacuation process is arranged by using the workboat to transfer technicians from the turbine access ladder in an emergency. The vessel has a small pallet lift and conveyor lift system for the loading and transfer of stores and spares, with access to and from a heated under-deck workshop and stores area. A mono-hull workboat is fitted with a heave-compensated single point lift davit for general wind turbine work duties as well as for emergency evacuation of technicians.
The SOV is further equipped with two boat-landing areas, one starboard and one at the stern of the vessel. It has a large deck area for additional equipment or the retrofitting of an ROV system for turbine tower or seabed inspection.
The IMT972 has an electro-hydraulic 1.0-tonne SWL motion-compensated folding jib crane, fitted on a pedestal on the main deck aft of the access gangway tower. It accesses the wind tower platform when the gangway is stowed and can also work over the stern, deck area or ship’s side.
In addition to its role as a windfarm maintenance SOV, the IMT972 can be used as a standby rescue vessel, command/control vessel, survey vessel and ROV support vessel.