OXE Marine UK and Ireland distributor, Proteum has announced it will supply North Star with ten OXE Diesel 300hp Diesel Outboards. This follows successful sea trials of the twin OXE 300hp supplied to North Star’s first UK-built hybrid-powered SOV workboat “Grace Darling”, in September 2022.
Specifically designed to support offshore wind projects, North Star’s vessel design brings a hybrid-propulsion SOV workboat fleet powered by twin OXE 300hp diesel outboards to the market for the first time. The success of the sea trials aboard the leading infrastructure vessel support operator’s first SOV workboat will result in the supply of ten OXE 300hps by the end of 2023.
North Star’s second SOV workboat is currently in build; designed by Southampton-based naval architects Chartwell Marine, and built by Alicat Workboats, Great Yarmouth. The vessel will support operations in the North Sea, primarily safely transferring maintenance technicians and equipment between North Star’s new fleet of hybrid-electric service operation vessels and wind turbines at Dogger Bank Wind Farm A, B and C.
“We are delighted that North Star has chosen Proteum to supply OXE Marine diesel outboards aboard the remaining SOV workboats in build,” Proteum Sales Manager Simon Barnett said. “OXE diesel outboards are quickly becoming the favoured method of propulsion aboard a number of daughter craft servicing the UK offshore windfarm industry, we look forward to continually supporting North Star as their fleet expands.”
“Adopting technologies which support our sustainability objectives is key to all our strategic investment decisions,” Peter Mantripp, North Star SOV workboat operations manager, said. “The OXE 300hp diesel outboard is a standout engine and exactly what we were looking for to support our first SOV workboat fleet. The OXE 300hp provides the best possible performance and economic advantages, whilst complying with stringent environmental regulations.”
