Offshore Wind Power Marine Services Ltd. is one of the UK’s leading providers with fully-crewed and equipped transfer vessels for the wind energy market. In 2009, the company took delivery of OFFSHORE RESPONSE 1, a Rapid Response Vessel (RRV) designed by South Boats and built by GRP Laminates.

Paul Walsh, Logistics Director at Offshore Wind Power Marine Services, explains: “As turbines are being built further offshore, speed becomes more of an issue. With speeds up to 30kn, the RRV is particularly advantageous as a cost-effective standby vessel, able to carry VIP passengers, transfer engineers onto turbines, deliver spares and cargo up to 1 ton or act as an emergency response vessel.” The RRV’s cabin layout can be arranged to suit the client, with seats, toolboxes, storage cupboards and/or a stretcher bearer.

Although restricted in sea states over 1.2m significant wave height, OFFSHORE RESPONSE 1 has already been deployed in a medical emergency offshore. On scene within 15 minutes, the RRV’s RNLI-trained crew used their advanced medical knowledge to diagnose a suspected heart attack (later confirmed). At a speed of 30kn, the RRV was back in port to a waiting ambulance in minutes. Thankfully, the casualty survived.

Paul Walsh praises the build quality and lead times achieved by GRP Laminates. “OFFSHORE RESPONSE 1 is a fine, well-constructed vessel. Her fit out is superb in terms of quality materials and craftsmanship: after a winter of hard work, she still looks like a new boat. And with a delivery time under 6 months, we can order to meet firm contracts, rather than build speculatively.”

To find out more about the RRV, please contact Bob Bennett at GRP Laminates: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Ben Colman of South Boats Special Projects at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). For information about Offshore Wind Power Marine Services, email Paul Walsh on .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)