Chartwell
Marine has announced the launch of the Chartwell 24, a brand-new crew transfer
vessel (CTV) design for the international offshore wind markets. The catamaran
design has been developed in conjunction with CTV operators, wind farm
owners and turbine manufacturers, responding directly to lessons learnt
in the construction and long-term operations & maintenance (O&M)
phases of European projects.
While
the optimum composition of an offshore wind fleet remains a topic of debate,
CTVs continue to play a critical role throughout development and operations.
This role has evolved in line with the increasing demands of supporting
large-scale deep-water wind farms, encompassing not only the safe, comfortable
and expedient transfer of technicians to and from the turbines, but also
a wide range of essential logistical support activities that keep a project
running on schedule.
In
this context, CTVs and their operators must offer considerable versatility,
while maintaining the highest possible standards of safety and technical
availability. As the industry looks to balance these objectives, vessel
designs are becoming increasingly standardised – but there is still room
to refine this formula. In turn, operators in new markets such as the USA
and Taiwan have the opportunity to start on the front foot by taking advantage
of the most advanced vessel technology available.
The
Chartwell 24, developed off the back of 10 years of data and experience
in offshore wind vessel design, aims to hit a ‘sweet spot’ in vessel
size and capability that has been achieved by the most effective vessels
currently operating in the European market. It aims to build on those proven
capabilities, while responding to new requirements emerging as the offshore
wind industry expands worldwide.
Specifically,
the vessel, which is capable of carrying 24 industrial personnel alongside
3-6 crew, also boasts the largest CTV foredeck in the market, enhancing
its cargo capacity. With four engines – and options for hybrid propulsion
– the Chartwell 24 enables power sharing, enhancing efficiency and adding
redundancy that maximises vessel reliability and availability. As scrutiny
grows on vessel emissions worldwide, this also means that the vessel is
well-placed to meet international requirements, such as EPA Tier 4 and
IMO Tier 3.
Crucially,
the Chartwell 24 introduces a number of safety related innovations, including
a step-free deck that almost entirely eliminates trip hazards, and purpose
designed walkways with handrails and sliding safety rails positioned for
safe, effective and repeatable crew transfer. From an operational perspective,
skippers benefit from full all-round visibility, uncompromised by deck
cargo.
“With
the Chartwell 24, we’re responding directly to tried and tested vessel
support approaches adopted throughout Europe, taking and building upon
the best of proven designs and equipping international operators and wind
farm owners with a boat that is built for purpose, and meets their needs
from day one,” said Andy Page, Managing Director, Chartwell Marine.
“For
crews and wind farm technicians, that will translate into a high degree
of safety, comfort and operational familiarity. For CTV operators and project
owners, that will result in incremental gains in efficiency, availability
and reliability that ultimately improve the way offshore wind farms are
constructed and operated.”