IMTRA Outfits US’ First Wind Farm Vessel

IMTRA’s scope of supply includes the Colorlight CL20 high-output searchlight, Decca Straight Line wiper system and LED deck, interior and engine room lights for the Blount Boats-built, 69-foot CTV.

The vessel was locally built in Rhode Island and has been delivered to its operator, Atlantic Wind Transfers which is based in Quonset Point, R.I. Atlantic Wind Transfers is the first offshore wind farm support company in the U.S., and will provide transfer services for GE technicians and supplies to the offshore wind farm. The Block Island Wind Farm will be the country’s first offshore wind farm — it is currently under construction by Deepwater Wind off the coast of Rhode Island, and will be fully serviced by the Atlantic Pioneer.

The Colorlight CL20 halogen dual-lamp searchlight can rotate a full 360 degrees on two axes, which allows it to illuminate all parts of the turbine from directly underneath. Powered by 24VDC, each of the two lights is rated at 250 watts and its IP66 rating and acid-proof stainless steel housing enables the unit to withstand extreme marine environments. For additional durability, searchlight operation is controlled by powerful brushless digital motors with no external mechanical moving parts.

Decca Straight Line wiper systems are manufactured specifically for use in commercial applications. Built in Norway and engineered to survive the rigors of the North Sea, they are engineered to work in extreme conditions. Each wiper can clear as much as 90 percent of the window.

A range of IMTRA LED lights are installed on the Atlantic Pioneer to help create a safer and more comfortable working environment for crewmembers. In the engine room, LED ERL’s provide bright, cool white light to make engine inspection and maintenance easier. Walkways are illuminated by F25 lights and Cockpit Spreaders provide lighting across the decks. IMTRA Omega and Ventura lights are installed throughout crew stations and the pilot house. The bi-color Ventura offers white light for daylight use and red light to reduce night blindness. Both Omega and Ventura lights are wired to operate in 24VDC and 110VAC power environments, and double as back-up lights in emergency situations. All of the IMTRA lights on the Atlantic Pioneer are IP65 compliant.

A twin-hulled, aluminum catamaran, the Atlantic Pioneer is under license from South Boats IOW in the U.K. It will be dual-certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry either offshore workers or traditional ferry passengers. Designed to carry up to 12 tons of cargo in the bow, three tons of cargo in the stern and has a crane fitted onto the bow, the vessel also has a specially designed rubber fender at the bow that helps it stay in contact with the wind tower while personnel are transferring. Using two environmentally friendly MAN Diesel engines to drive Hamilton waterjets, the vessel will cruise at a speed of more than 27 knots.