Chartwell designing lifeline ferry for undisclosed “mystery islands”

Image: Chartwell Marine

Southampton, U.K.- based naval architect firm Chartwell Marine may be best known for its offshore wind crew transfer vessels, but it has a growing number of ferries in its portfolio — including a new ferry for an undisclosed “rural island community.” The vessel is scheduled to enter construction in early 2026 and enter operation for the mystery island in 2027.

“Given the vessel’s importance to the local community, full details of the project will be released at a later date,” says Chartwell, which is currently supporting its unnamed client with selection of a builder.

Wherever the mystery islands are, they are remote.

“Due to the islands’ remote location and unique environment, travel is particularly challenging, requiring versatile vessels capable of navigating choppy waters and operating within limited port infrastructure,” says Chartwell. For years, the current ferry serving the island has been a critical lifeline for the local community, enabling its members to go about their daily lives.

However, changes to the local environment, coupled with the growing needs of the population, mean a new, more capable vessel is now required. Designed in close collaboration with the ferry operator and local stakeholders, Chartwell has created a ferry with a highly customized, robust catamaran hull and a hybrid propulsion system. This will enable it to efficiently carry up to 100 passengers and cargo around the islands in an environmentally friendly way, helping to preserve their remote beauty.

Christophe Rident, senior naval architect at Chartwell Marine, said: “We’re delighted and deeply honored that the client has appointed Chartwell Marine to design the new ferry. Adapting our proven hull forms that are tried and tested in the demanding offshore wind market, we’ve created a modern, versatile, low-emission vessel tailored to the local community’s exact requirements.”

The vessel is IMO Tier 3 emissions-compliant and capable of operating on full electric power, significantly reducing emissions and noise pollution while helping to protect the islands’ unique environment. It will also cut the existing transit time around the islands to under one hour.