"The ESVAGT SOV is not just a taxi – it's a collaboration"

For Aart Bark, Regional Service Director at MHI Vestas, teaming up with ESVAGT in the Belwind1 and Nobelwind Parks is more than just engaging a service provider.

Is ‘Esvagt Mercator’ improving your performance in the Belwind 1 and Nobelwind parks?

"Absolutely. It is a bigger vessel enabling us to service two parks from one vessel. We have experienced an improvement in logistics, a better working environment, and ideal warehousing. Add to that the hospitality on board and the good togetherness with the ship's crew, and we get a significant improvement.

Does ‘Esvagt Mercator’ contribute to LCoE – how?

"The 'Esvagt Mercator' is custom built for this operation – and it shows.

The workflow onboard is ideal; the tool box and warehouse and deck area are designed specifically for this operation. The offshore supervisors have an ideal overview of the jobs and tasks ahead, and the closeness to the operation enables a very 'live' feel to what is going on…more real-time. The operation is faster and smoother. There is less idle time and more action. You feel like you are on an expedition!

Another important aspect is the stability. The design makes it possible for us to stay in the park longer in rougher weather. Seasickness is not an issue, and that enables transfers in a larger weather window - both are significantly improving efficiency.

Another aspect of the LCoE is the ability to service two parks from one vessel, which is an obvious improvement".

Have you changed your approach to the task due to new possibilities with ‘Esvagt Mercator’?

"We try to utilize every aspect of what the 'Esvagt Mercator' has to offer. So far we have used quite a lot of what’s possible, but there is definitely more to be gained as we go deeper in to the operation. The 'Esvagt Mercator' builds on what we have done with 'Esvagt Supporter' and incorporates the good experiences, from working very closely with the ship's crew to gaining a better, smoother and more efficient operation"

Do you utilize the full ESVAGT SOV-concept?

"Absolutely! With ESVAGT, you get both the SOV and the crew. Both parts are essential to a good operation. The SOV is highly customized and built-to-order and caters to our specific needs – the STB-concept and the ESVAGT vessel are high quality all around.

Add to that a very competent crew. With ESVAGT, we get a committed partner with a genuine understanding and interest in our operation and a deep knowledge of what we do. The ESVAGT SOV is not just a taxi – it's a collaboration. The ship without the crew would not make any sense; we value the experience ESVAGT has from years of SOV and offshore operations. Safety is another aspect of working with ESVAGT. Knowing that they do it safely makes us feel secure".

How is the ESVAGT STB7 and STB12 aiding your operation?

"The STB's are very efficient; we use the STB7 for quick transfers and the STB12 to provide general flexibility in all aspects of the operation – from transfers to cargo. If you operate a park with many smaller turbines and need to transfer one or two technicians to each turbine, the STB7 is ideal - a fast and safe way to access the turbines".