Chartwell to design and deliver hybrid CTV

Written by Nick Blenkey
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Hybrid Chartwell 24 design is the product of extensive R&D

Southampton, U.K., based Chartwell Marine has signed a contract to design and deliver a new hybrid Chartwell 24 offshore wind crew transfer vessel (CTV) for Swansea, Wales, headquartered High Speed Transfers, Ltd.

The vessel, which will provide dedicated support for the offshore wind sector, is set to be built in the U.K. by Isle of Wight shipyard Diverse Marine, which was awarded the build contract following a competitive global tender process.

The order marks a milestone in a long collaboration between the three firms and will a number of adaptations made to the proven Chartwell 24 design to meet the demands of hybrid operation.

The offshore wind sector is seeing substantial innovation in vessel design as operators respond to new and emerging regulatory requirements. Reducing vessel emissions and fuel consumption are key targets for the industry to ensure compliance with air quality legislation and reduce the overall carbon footprint of building and operating offshore wind farms.

Andy Page, Managing Director, Chartwell Marine, said: “We are excited to be working with HST and Diverse Marine to bring this innovative hybrid CTV to market, maintaining the collaborative approach that has fed into the evolution of the Chartwell 24 design to date. As the drive towards greener operations gains momentum, it is important that we tackle the emissions challenge head on, without losing sight of the key attributes that define effective offshore wind vessel support.”

The new hybrid Chartwell 24 design is the product of extensive R&D and ongoing dialogue with HST and Diverse Marine, alongside wind farm owners and the wider offshore supply chain. It capitalizes on these insights to address some of the most common operational and design challenges surrounding effective hybrid propulsion.

The catamaran’s hybrid propulsion system incorporates an electric motor alongside a battery and a diesel engine to drive a high-performance controllable pitch propeller (CPP) system. At low speeds, this allows for silent, zero emissions operation, enabling the vessel to comply with port air quality requirements. At transit speeds, it is able to perform capably and efficiently while ensuring the comfort of technicians, says Chartwell, with its advanced hull form, high bollard push and superior bow height ensures confident transfers at high wave heights.

This new hybrid propulsion configuration complements existing design innovations that include enhanced foredeck capacity and wheelhouse visibility.

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