Australia-based Austal has secured contracts to design and construct three wind farm support vessels.

The 27-metre catamarans will be used by UK-based Turbine Transfers to support wind turbine installation and maintenance activities in European waters. Austal will build the specialised vessels at its shipyard in the Philippines over a period of approximately nine months starting in March 2013.

“Austal decided to pursue the growing market for wind farm boats in mid-2010,” said Andrew Bellamy, ceo of Austal.

“The capacity and efficiency of our Philippines shipyard means we are still able to meet market demand for vessels delivered in the first half of 2014. We continue to aggressively pursue further projects for wind farm boats, ferries and other commercial vessels,” he said.

The latest contract marks Austal's third new project for Turbine Transfers in a little over 15 months.

The Wind Express 27 catamarans will be able to transport 12 personnel and 10 tonnes of equipment/stores to and from turbines. This includes containerised items.

(Source:shipping online)