The world’s first daughter craft based on so-called surface effect ship (SES) technology has started sea-trials at the Horns Rev 1 and 2 wind farms off Denmark, to test the innovative vessel concept in conditions mirroring the harsher environment common to far-offshore projects.
The 15-metre-long Sea Puffin, designed by Norwegian outfit ESNA, uses an air cushion for active motion damping, giving it “access capabilities” beyond those of conventional crew transfer vessels (CTVs), while promising to improve passenger comfort during transit, as well as reduced fuel consumption.
