CPower contracted CSO Shipbrokers to source a suitable vessel for their project commencing October 2022 at Hollandsee Kust Zuid, a wind farm located ~18-35 kilometres off the Dutch coast in the North Sea.
The Requirement
CPower required a highly experienced and trusted shipbroker to source a DP2 walk to work (W2W) vessel with eight people onboard (POB), a crane for 2-5T lifts of generators to transition piece structure with a landing height of 18m, for vessel charter.
The vessel was required for mobilisation in Ijmuiden, Netherlands, for a 30-day contract firm, with the option to extend by a further 60 days.
The vessel was to be utilised by CPower to transport and lift temporary power generators at Hollandsee Kust Zuid offshore wind farm.
Owned by Vattenfall, BASF and Allianz, the wind farm is currently in the construction phase. The wind farm will have 140 11 MW turbines – and is expected to have a total capacity of 1500 MW.
CSO Shipbrokers, a data-driven brokerage firm specialising in the offshore renewables sector, was the obvious choice for this scope of work due to their track record of successful vessel placements spanning more than two decades.
Utilising their extensive network of industry relationships in the UK and Europe, CSO Shipbrokers’ experienced shipbrokers sourced the most cost-effective solution for the client’s requirements, enabling a hassle-free vessel procurement process.
The Solution
After analysing CPower’s requirements, CSO Shipbrokers utilised their in-house market intelligence and comprehensive knowledge of vessels with compliant cranes, to shortlist suitable vessels which would be available during the required timeframe.
This was particularly challenging given a tight spot market due to project extensions and the requirements for offshore refuelling and 3D crane ops via the gangway system.
Based on their extensive experience in the offshore renewables market, CBO’s shipbrokers understood that for a winter project, the vessel’s workability and stability are paramount.
The chosen vessel was the Norside Supporter, a 90m battery-powered W2W vessel built in 2014, equipped with a 23m-long gangway system for W2W operations, a boat landing for crew transfer vessels, and 600㎡ deck space.
Additional Scope
Following the vessel selection, an International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) CMID inspection was immediately required, in order to ensure suitability of the vessel and the robustness of the vessel operator’s safety management system (SMS).
CSO Shipbrokers enlisted the expertise of their sister company, CSO Engineering to complete the inspection. With more than 15 years’ experience completing vessel inspections within the offshore renewables market, OES was ideally suited to complete this vital scope of work.
Following receipt of the request, one of OES’ AVI-accredited Master Mariners, based close to the vessel’s location in Montrose, was mobilised to carry out the inspection.
Within 36 hours of the initial request, OES’ inspector was able to ensure the vessel met the minimum requirements as set out by IMCA, and sent this information to CBO and the local vessel manager.
Within less than two days, the inspection had been carried out and the information was uploaded to eCMID, with the final information being passed to the end client within four days.
Customer Response
“The work carried out by CSO Shipbrokers and CSO Engineering was completed within a tight timescale, enabling us to ensure a continuation of service for our valued clients.
“Their professionalism and expertise has been evident throughout, particularly their invaluable guidance and experience handling contract negotiations, which allowed our teams to concentrate on operations and project planning. We look forward to working with both companies on projects in the future.”
Peter jORGENSEN Managing director of CPower