Aberdeen-based Vroon Offshore Services (VOS) Limited has partnered with ScottishPower Renewables on its first long-term charter to provide emergency response and rescue vessel (ERRV) services to the offshore wind sector.

The contract, valued at more than £7 million, will support construction of the East Anglia TWO and THREE wind farms off the Suffolk coast, with VOS delivering dedicated on-site ERRV cover in the event of any emergency.

The appointed vessel, VOS Traveller, will operate from the port of Lowestoft. A 24-strong crew will work on a 28-day rotation to maintain continuous safety coverage.

Ross Ovens, ScottishPower Renewables' Managing Director for Offshore, said: "It's great to welcome Vroon Offshore Services to our East Anglia supply chain family as we build the infrastructure that will help deliver a clean energy future. Keeping our offshore construction sites safe and protecting the people bringing them to life is an intrinsic part of what we do, and VOS will have a vital role to play.

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"Collectively, these two windfarms will produce enough green electricity to power more than two million homes, support thousands of jobs during construction and operation, and help drive economic growth. Working with partners like VOS, we're injecting more than £3 billion into the UK supply chain right across the country and building a legacy that will have a positive impact for decades to come."

Stuart Thom, VOS Managing Director said: "This new cooperation with ScottishPower Renewables marks a major milestone for VOS, being our first long-term commitment providing ERRV services to the offshore renewables sector. We look forward to collaborating with ScottishPower Renewables to ensure maximum safety for all personnel, while powering the green-energy transition in the North Sea."

VOS Traveller's duties will include 24/7 standby and safety cover; search and rescue (SAR) support providing a Place of Safety within 20 minutes; use of specialised recovery equipment, including two fast rescue craft (FRC), a Dacon scoop and a heavy-duty rescue basket; onboard medical treatment facilities; advanced collision-avoidance surveillance, radio watchkeeping and field logistics support; and offshore environmental monitoring.

The purpose-built Class B ERRV is 48.2 metres long and was constructed in 2008 in Stellendam, the Netherlands.