US offshore wind needs certainty that the supply chain can deliver the quality and quantity of vessels needed to sustain development, says naval architect
Washington DC, October 15 2018 – Major domestic and international firms involved in the development of the first US offshore wind farms need confidence in the availability of proven vessel concepts, as they continue to explore opportunities and justify investment decisions in the growing sector.
Further collaboration between firms in the supply chain will be essential in ensuring that lessons learnt in design from the mature markets are effectively transposed, and that offshore wind developers and equipment manufacturers have no doubt in the ability of US shipyards and operators to deliver the standard, and volume, of vessel support they need to bring projects to fruition.
That is, at least, according to Chartwell Marine, a pioneer in next generation vessel design that has been highly influential in the development of the first Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) for the US market. The firm has recently launched the Chartwell 24, a new CTV design that responds to the specific demands of offshore wind manufacturers, developers and operators.
Despite the need to create confidence with familiar designs, there is still room for innovation, and substantial opportunities exist for those who can optimize vessels for US market conditions. In particular, meeting EPA Tier 4 air quality requirements with bespoke propulsion options, hull and deck designs that stand up to larger Atlantic swells, and the ability to respond to unique development approaches with enhanced logistical support capacity, will be crucial advantages.
“There are a multitude of risks involved in establishing a presence in a new market – particularly for a sector as technologically demanding and complex as offshore wind,” said Andy Page, Managing Director, Chartwell Marine. “So, while major developers and operators have recently given US offshore a huge vote of confidence, their focus is squarely on risk management – and de-risking vessel support will be high on the list of priorities.”
“Given the influence of the Jones Act on the production and cost of new vessels – plus stringent environmental and operational requirements – there needs to be a really strong business case for investment. The good news is that the US maritime supply chain is well-placed to respond to this – providing it can maintain an ongoing dialogue with offshore wind firms about their specific needs, and demonstrate a capacity to take proven vessel concepts from the European sector, refine them and apply them successfully in US waters.”
The Chartwell 24 design has been developed off the back of discussions 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. It is optimized to deliver the crucial attributes of safety, reliability and availability in testing conditions – and, with its unique four-engine propulsion, is well-placed to help operators meet US emissions standards.
For further information on the Chartwell 24 vessel design, please click here.
About Chartwell Marine
Chartwell Marine is a pioneer in next-generation vessel design. Headed up by Andy Page, a reputed naval architect with an industry-leading track record designing award-winning high-speed vessels, Chartwell Marine supports ambitious boat builders and vessel operators around the world with specialist, independent design and consultancy services.
