IT is being billed as the world’s first unmanned offshore rescue solution and a Scottish start-up is aiming to deploy it at offshore wind farms.
Edinburgh-based Zelim has partnered with naval architect Chartwell Marine to deliver an 11-metre unmanned Survivor Class remote-controlled vessel, which it said fulfils a “missing link” in the offshore rescue chain.
The vessel will be the cornerstone of Zelim’s wider offshore rescue system, incorporating search technology and remote operations.
Offshore energy sites present a hazardous environment for personnel and vessel crews, where there is always a risk of man overboard (MOB) incidents, but traditional search and recovery approaches are unsuitable for many such facilities.
Zelim said that in an environment where every second counts, the challenges presented by growing offshore industries highlight a crucial need to rethink existing rescue processes.
With distances increasing between offshore projects and the shoreline, traditional lifeboats are neither effective nor practical.
They can take several hours to reach the site of an emergency, and even rescue helicopters can take more than an hour.
With offshore wind farms typically lying out of “normal” rescue vessels’ operating zones, rescue procedures become even more challenging.
The Survivor Class vessel came after Zelim and Chartwell held consultations with key offshore survival organisations, offering an essential new stage in the rescue chain.
It can rapidly recover MOBs and give them an accessible safe haven from the debilitating effects of cold-water immersion, where they can await evacuation to shore.
The vessel has been designed “casualty first”, with accessible features to address limited mobility challenges, such as a pioneering rescue conveyor for recovering MOBs from the water, easy-open door handles, an air-conditioned cabin, and a helicopter pick-up zone.
As an unmanned, remotely operated vessel, crucial deployment time is reduced, and collateral risk for rescue personnel limited.
After a competitive bidding process, the consortium secured Innovate UK funding on two occasions, accelerating its project timelines to complete the preliminary design phase. The last tranche of funding is being used to deliver the full design and shipyard tender, oversight and testing.
The vessel will be mounted onto offshore structures and will have a 25m free fall deployment into the water following MOB or helicopter downing incidents.
To maximise safety in severe weather, Chartwell used its hull form expertise to produce a vessel that can be used in significant wave heights of 4.5m.
Zelim founder Sam Mayall, “As offshore wind continues to scale up to meet the growing global demand for clean energy, ensuring the safety of seafarers and technicians is critical.
“That’s why we are working with Chartwell Marine and other industry partners to develop a cohesive offshore survival system, beyond the vessel itself, engaging with operators and regulators to make sure it is fit to save lives in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable.”
Andy Page, managing director, of Chartwell Marine, added: “Designing the Survivor Class gave us a great opportunity to apply our offshore wind expertise to new challenges, such as free-fall water entry and casualty recovery.
“For example, the two waterjets will activate prior to contact with the water to stop the vessel drifting backwards into the turbine.
“Zelim has shown strong leadership in making offshore wind a safer industry, and we are excited to see where the partnership goes next.”
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