HST Orders Second Fast Crew Supplier
HST Hudson (Photo: Damen)
From left to right: Arjen van Elk, Sales Manager, Damen Shipyards Gorinchem; and Tom Nevin, Managing Director, High Speed Transfers (Photo: Damen)
U.K. based High Speed Transfers (HST) has finalized an order for a second Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 2710 from Damen Shipyards Group. The contract was signed Wednesday during WindEnergy Hamburg.
The vessel, to be named HST Sofia, will be HST’s second FCS 2710 since becoming the launching customer for the vessel type earlier this year.
The FCS 2710 builds on the predecessor FCS 2610, but is upgraded to deliver more flexibility, more tank capacity, greater deck space, increased comfort and more accommodation. Damen said it achieved much of this by increasing the length and height of the vessel above water by 1 meter. The increased height enables the FCS 2710 to operate in wave heights over 2 meters, greatly extending operability.
Damen delivered the first FCS 2710, HST Hudson, to HST back in July, and will build HST Sofia to the same specifications as the first vessel.
HST’s Tom Nevin said, “[HST Sofia] will be a sister vessel to our vessel HST Hudson, which we have been operating since July this year. HST Hudson has exceeded all expectations in crew and passenger comfort with levels like this never experienced in the offshore wind sector. She has also proven, even in tough Irish Sea conditions, to be a level above the competition.
“Due to unprecedented demand, there are multiple possibilities for HST Sofia, which will be confirmed prior to the delivery. Our vision of a strong fleet of 2710 vessels is well underway.”
Damen Sales Manager Arjen van Elk said, “We are delighted to receive this order so soon after the delivery of the first vessel. This signals to us that HST are satisfied with the FCS 2710 and that the vessel fulfills its role in enabling our clients to carry out their work successfully.”
