A HAMPSHIRE firm is building two boats to support Britain’s growing offshore wind parks.

Burgess Marine will develop the vessels for crews servicing wind farms and turbines at sea.

The marine engineering company has signed a long-term contract to provide the boats for wind park developer Mainprize Offshore.

The vessels, to be named MO2 and MO3, will be built at the firm’s depot in Portchester.

They both measure 25m in length and will be used for maintaining turbines often up to two miles away from shore.

Mainprize has also taken out options on two further vessels as part of the deal which is financed by merchant bankers Close Brothers.

The boats are being constructed as part of a new concept called Sure Build offering a less risky and more cost-effective way of managing construction deals.

Burgess Marine managing director Nicholas Warren said it represents a “cost plus” way of working and said: “For many years we’ve watched yards make small fortunes then fail, or operators make big investments which have then been seized or withheld by administrators.

“We wanted to offer a peace of mind alternative to the industry. This ensures a very low risk for the operator and a low, but sustainable, margin for us, as the builder.

“This low-risk, low-margin model has got to be the way to go in an industry so inherently full of risk.”

Mainprize managing director Bob Mainprize said: “We are looking forward to the development of a very long and very fruitful mutually beneficial relationship.

“Our product really is leading the field and business remains very brisk.”