‘Tor Boreas’ represents both a new class of vessel for Tor Group and a new way of building, utilising modular assembly to enable more time off the slipway in a purpose-built facility. Tor Group see a great future both for this initial vessel and others of her class.

Tor Boreas is a cutting edge utility service vessel with an ability to support multiple industries but with specific ability to conduct a large range of tasks within the offshore wind sector. The vessel is designed below 24m registered length to allow it to operate under UK MCA workboat code edition III regulations but has also been built to Bureau Veritas regulations and approval to allow for international operation.

The vessel has many innovative features which combined into a vessel of this size offers a ground breaking vessel. Tor Boreas is driven by a diesel electric power train to ensure optimal efficiency and this combined with the tier III engine exhaust system gives reduced emissions during operation compared to a conventional diesel driven vessel. 3 MAN D2676 main generators each rated at 340 ekw, 400 V, 50 Hz supply electricity to the main control systems. The electric drive motors are connected to twin Schottel SRP 210 FP azimuth drives which when combined with the Veth VT-90 bow thruster gives high levels of manuverability with full Dynamic Positioning capability. As an addition to this the vessel also has a 4 point mooring anchoring arrangement onboard to allow for longer term station keeping.

In conjunction with the station keeping abilities the vessel is also fitted with a Gyro Stabilisation system supplied by Veem. This system significantly reduces vessel motions for both crew comfort and allows service operations to be conducted in higher sea states than would normally be possible.

The vessel is arranged with numerous items of deck equipment to allow for multiple different operations. These include a Melcal, 5 T hydraulic ‘A’ Frame at the stern, a Melcal, KT 120T3 offshore crane is arranged to starboard aft to cover the entire working deck and to work over the starboard side with an optional boulder grappling attachment. Midships on the main deck is a 25 T electric towing winch which can be used for towage or work over the stern, utilising the 500 mmm diameter 30 T stern roller.

To give additional flexibility to underwater operations a 1500mm x 1500mm moon pool is arranged which can work with either the ‘A’ Frame or the crane. The main deck also has 75 square metres of usable deck space and an ability to carry up to 60 Tonnes of deck cargo or 3 x 20 foot containers, and is arranged with modular installation for dive and survey support units.

Below deck the vessel is split into 6 compartments to allow it to meet single compartment flooding requirements. These consist of, Fore peak, Crew accommodation space with 2 x twin cabins with ensuite facilities, Passenger accommodation space with 6 x twin cabins with ensuite facilities, Generator room with the 3 main generators, gyrostabilisation unit and sewage plant, Switchboard room, Propulsion room.

Forward of the working deck at main deck level are crew and passenger day facilities with dry locker and changing room, workshops, laundry, provisions locker, galley, mess area, lounge and TV lounge.

On Forecastle deck a full width casing contains, HVAC room, Harbour set / emergency generator space, Electronics room, divers control room, embarkation lobby and 2 x single officers cains with ensuite facilities. Forward of this area is the open fore deck with the forward mooring winches. Aft of the casing a 4m RHIB is arranged for rescue operations launched utilising the main crane.

The wheelhouse is arranged with al round visibility including full height windows aft to provide excellent visibility of the aft working deck. The wheelhouse has a main forward command position and an auxiliary station aft. There is also a communal area to port with small pantry area.

With the ability to carry 70m³ of fuel and over 35m³ of freshwater, combined with the onboard sewage treatment system the vessel has the ability to stay at sea for an extended period.

We are thrilled to have been part of this project which showcases the abilities of both Tor Group as builders and Macduff ship Design as designers to develop and build such an innovative and complex vessel within a relatively compact length.

The vessel is currently on transit and will be available for inspection once it reaches the UK and is available for bareboat charter or sale. Please contact info@tor-group.net for any queries.