The vessel, which can accommodate up to 40 wind farm technicians, incorporates full DPII capability, motion-compensated personnel turbine access as well as complete ROV and dive support facilities. According to OMM, it addresses all the facets of wind farm operation and maintenance including subsea inspections, cable remedial works, cable repair and installation capability and transportation of large items of replacement equipment such as turbine gearboxes.

OMM Managing Director Rob Grimmond said that the vessel had been designed to anticipate the next phase of operation and maintenance needs for both UK and international projects currently in development or under construction.

“We have been working in the industry for a number years, listening to the needs of clients and potential clients, and felt the time was right to put our knowledge into the development of a specialised vessel,” he said. “It is important that the industry adopts advanced techniques to reduce the overall operation and maintenance costs, improve the protection of subsea assets and increase wind farm output by, for example, having technicians onsite.”