• The 40 metre long vessel with DP-2 diesel-electric propulsion maximises efficiency in UK and Northern European waters
• This project reinforces Freire Shipyard’s ability to offer advanced solutions to the international market and supports Briggs Marine’s leadership in the UK maritime sector

The Spanish Shipyard C.N.P. FREIRE, S.A. has delivered a new Maintenance Support Vessel to the British company Briggs Marine, following the award of the contract in December 2022.

The vessel, designed by Cintranaval in collaboration with Freire Shipyard’s design department, has been conceived to support Briggs Marine’s contracts with the UK Government, as well as offshore wind farms and commercial ports. With a length of 40 meters and DP-2 diesel-electric propulsion, its primary role will be the inspection, maintenance and replacement of aids to navigation (AtoN) and heavy inshore moorings, both in the UK and overseas. In addition, it will carry out, survey, diving and ROV operations, and offshore project and maintenance support operations.

‘This project represents a significant step forward in our ability to offer advanced technical solutions in the international market,’ say Freire Shipyard CEOs Marcos Freire and Guillermo Freire. ‘We are proud to collaborate with Briggs Marine to develop a vessel ready to face the future challenges of the offshore sector.’

‘The new vessel reaffirms Briggs Marine’s commitment to establishing itself as a leader in the UK offshore sector. Its addition will strengthen our ability to support marine projects, both in the expanding field of renewable energy and traditional marine construction work,’ says Iain Ross, Briggs Marine’s Director of Port and Marine Services.

Features include a moon-pool, a demountable A-frame, a 4-point mooring system, an active heave compensated crane and a dedicated survey project office. The vessel is also equipped with a detachable ladder for crew transfer vessel (CTV) boarding for renewable energy projects.

 Efficiency and flexibility for maritime operations

The DP-2 diesel-electric propulsion system maximises efficiency in UK and Northern European waters. The vessel provides high quality accommodation for 6 crew and 10 project members, enabling 24-hour operations. Briggs has prioritised crew comfort by requesting the incorporation of noise reduction measures so that its crew and project staff will be well rested.

The vessel combines flexibility and functionality, with diving, survey and project support capabilities, without compromising its primary purpose. Its innovative design makes it a key tool in meeting Briggs Marine’s current and future needs.