Displaying items by tag: WFSV

5th May 2013

Ports & Shipping Review: Wind-Farm Vessel Scene, Modest Increase in Port Volumes, Hay Imports and Tanzanian Port Programme

#ShippingReview: Over the last fortnight Jehan Ashmore has reported from the shipping scene where Fastnet Shipping has added a new 22m windfarm and survey support vessel (WFSV) to its fleet.

According to the 10th edition of the annual Irish Maritime Transport Economist, the volume of cargo shipped though ports saw a small overall increase last year with two of the five principle cargo segments experiencing growth.

At the Dublin Port Company's AGM, it was announced that the port will pay a €7m dividend to the State in June 2013.

Deliveries of hay to Galway Harbour were under the consideration of Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney in a bid to address the fodder crisis.

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Joe Costello visited Tanzania to assess the impact of the UNCTAD Port Training Programme.

More news of wind-farm support vessels, as two such craft have returned to Island Shipping, following completion last month of a charter to a UK offshore wind-farm.

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Fastnet Shipping Add New Wind-Farm Cat Support-Survey Vessel

#NewWindCat- Waterford based Fastnet Shipping Limited has added a new 22m windfarm and survey support catamaran to its fleet of marine plant hire, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The craft which has space to seat up to 27 personnel will be used to transferring construction and crew service teams for the offshore wind-farm /turbine transfer market.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the company since 2010 has entered this sector in UK waters, when they commissioned a quartet of multi-purpose high-speed craft wind-farm support vessels (WFSV) for the charter market.

The introduction of this fifth and larger WFSV will see the 24 knots maximum capable Fastnet Rock able to operate up to 200 nautical miles.

For further vessel specifications of the Panamanian flagged craft click HERE.

In addition to the wind-farm support vessels, Fastnet Shipping operate and charter out vessels involved in dredging contracts, harbour and coastal towage and provide offshore logistics support services.

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Arklow Yard to Launch New Wind Farm Service Vessel

#NEWBUILD NEWS - The first of two 20m windfarm service vessels (WFSV) is to be launched from Arklow Marine Services tomorrow, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The high-speed aluminium newbuild to be named Gardian 8, has been commissioned to service the offshore renewable industry in the UK, and handed over to her clients next month.

In the interim period, the WFSV which is twin-hulled is to take sea-trails before she is officially launched later this month to owners Gardline Group, based in Great Yarmouth.

Gardline have also ordered a sister WFSV, where the frames and longitudinal stiffening of the second newbuild are currently being fitted. She is to join the Gardline fleet with a delivery date in July.

Arklow Marine Services are also working on a 24m steel mooring barge for Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners. The barge, which has a beam of 6m is scheduled for delivery in April this year.

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Ireland & La Solitaire du Figaro

The Solitaire du Figaro, was originally called the course de l’Aurore until 1980, was created in 1970 by Jean-Louis Guillemard and Jean-Michel Barrault.

Half a decade later, the race has created some of France's top offshore sailors, and it celebrated its 50th anniversary with a new boat equipped with foils and almost 50 skippers Including novices, aficionados and six former winners.

The solo multi-stage offshore sailing race is one of the most cherished races in French sailing and one that has had Irish interest stretching back over 20 years due to the number of Irish stopovers, usually the only foreign leg of the French race.

What Irish ports have hosted The Solitaire du Figaro?

The race has previously called to Ireland to the following ports; Dingle, Kinsale, Crosshaven, Howth and Dun Laoghaire.

What Irish sailors have raced The Solitaire du Figaro?

So far there have been seven Irish skippers to participate in La Solitaire du Figaro.

In 1997, County Kerry's Damian Foxall first tackled the Figaro from Ireland. His win in the Rookie division in DHL gave him the budget to compete again the following year with Barlo Plastics where he won the final leg of the race from Gijon to Concarneau. That same year a second Irish sailor Marcus Hutchinson sailing Bergamotte completed the course in 26th place and third Rookie.

In 2000, Hutchinson of Howth Yacht Club completed the course again with IMPACT, again finishing in the twenties.

In 2006, Paul O’Riain became the third Irish skipper to complete the course.

In 2013, Royal Cork's David Kenefick raised the bar by becoming a top rookie sailor in the race.

In 2018, for the first time, Ireland had two Irish boats in the offshore race thanks to Tom Dolan and Joan Mulloy who joined the rookie ranks and kept the Irish tricolour flying high in France. Mulloy became the first Irish female to take on the race.

Tom Dolan in Smurfit Kappa competed for his third year in 2020 after a 25th place finish in 2019. Dolan sailed a remarkably consistent series in 2020 and took fifth overall, the best finish by a non-French skipper since 1997 when Switzerland’s Dominique Wavre finished runner up. Dolan wins the VIVI Trophy.

Dolan finished 10th on the first stage, 11th on the second and seventh into Saint Nazaire at the end of the third stage. Stage four was abandoned due to lack of wind.

Also in 2020, Dun Laoghaire’s Kenneth Rumball became the eleventh Irish sailor to sail the Figaro.

At A Glance – Figaro Race

It starts in June or July from a French port.
The race is split into four stages varying from year to year, from the length of the French coast and making up a total of around 1,500 to 2,000 nautical miles (1,700 to 2,300 mi; 2,800 to 3,700 km) on average.
Over the years the race has lasted between 10 and 13 days at sea.
The competitor is alone in the boat, participation is mixed.
Since 1990, all boats are of one design.