High-speed catamaran ferry company Rhode Island Fast Ferry has commissioned a US-built crew transfer vessel after receiving a 20-year contract for the Block Island wind farm.
Rhode Island Fast Ferry will invest more than $4m in construction of a dedicated wind turbine transfer vessel, which will be built by Blount Boats.
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The firm will also launch its commercial wind support services division, Atlantic Wind Transfers.
Rhode Island Fast Ferry president Charles A Donadio, Jr said: "Launching Atlantic Wind Transfers and building the first crew transfer vessel in the Unites States with local company Blount Boats is not only good for the state of Rhode Island, but it will also provide for future growth and enhance the capabilities of our company in the US offshore energy sector."
Blount Boats president Marcia Blount said: "The vessel is designed specifically for turbine transfer service.
"We enthusiastically join an all Rhode Island team of windfarm, operator and boat builder."
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By GlobalDataConstruction of the vessel will begin following a keel-laying ceremony scheduled for later this year. This new-build is expected to provide employment for 70 workers throughout the 12-month build process.
Under the project, Atlantic Wind Transfers will deliver crew and equipment support during the construction phase of the Block Island Wind Farm that is expected to start in early 2016.
Image: Rhode Island Fast Ferry will invest more than $4m for the new wind turbine transfer vessel. Photo: courtesy of Seacat Services, Ltd.
