New 30m vessel design and FOSS system for Chartwell 24 are first outcomes from partnership to ensure offshore wind is supported by advanced, complementary vessel fleets
Southampton, 13th May – Chartwell Marine, a pioneer in next-generation vessel design, has announced its partnership with world leading naval architects BAR Technologies, to support in the delivery of the next generation of offshore wind crew transfer vessels (CTVs).
The partnership will drive forward the development of new vessel designs ranging from 30m CTVs through to 60m service accommodation and transfer vessels (SATVs), making use of BAR’s patented foil optimisation and stabilisation system (FOSS). It will see Chartwell’s leading structural, class and engineering design joined with BAR’s latest innovations in hydrofoil technology and unique, patented hull form development expertise.
While the offshore energy support vessel market is well served by the likes of existing designs – such as the versatile Chartwell 24 catamaran for wind farm construction and O&M support – the trend for building further out at sea presents new challenges in the form of longer journeys and rougher waters. These challenges are further compounded by the drive to reduce operating costs, and carbon emissions, by cutting fuel consumption.
This has led to an industry demand for larger vessels that are not only designed specifically for bulk crew transfers and longer distance voyages, but also demonstrate greater efficiency and lower fuel burn, leading to significant savings for operators as well as a reduced carbon footprint. Further, the industry is pushing for vessels with the capability to operate for longer periods – to the extent of crew and technicians sleeping on board, requiring an advanced hull.
Responding to this trend in CTV procurement, BAR – with the support of Chartwell – have created a 30m vessel which can reduce vertical acceleration by up to 70% in 2.5m wave heights, helping with motion sickness and offering greater levels of availability in rougher seas. BAR’s FOSS technology, which helps to dampen pitch and roll, will also be an option available on new Chartwell vessels, and can be offered and applied to the Chartwell 24 vessel – further enhancing its seakeeping capability and renowned manoeuvrability.
Andy Page, Managing Director, Chartwell Marine, said: “As offshore wind expands globally, the challenges of constructing and maintaining wind farms in a variety of locales requires forward thinking CTV operators to make use of the full range of vessel sizes available to the market.”
“With industry demand coalescing around larger vessels, there is a clear opportunity to deploy the latest technology and knowledge from other maritime sectors to deliver a new range of 30m+ CTVs which satisfy the growing requirements of offshore wind while, crucially, meeting the latest needs in efficiency.”
John Cooper, CEO, BAR Technologies, said: “We see the Chartwell 24 and BAR 30m vessels as natural partners. The former provides high versatility, high payload and large deck space, while the latter demonstrates up to 50% fuel efficiency savings at 15 knots and advanced seakeeping at speed, which is particularly noticeable on longer journeys – as well as great static seakeeping attributes. Chartwell’s strong engineering capability and design heritage has allowed us to create an advanced superior solution for owner operators based on their varied project requirements.”
About Chartwell Marine
Chartwell Marine is a pioneer in next-generation vessel design. 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.
To find out more about Chartwell Marine, please visit: http://www.chartwellmarine.com/
About BAR Technologies:
With an impressive heritage, having originally spun out from the former British, America’s Cup Team, BAR Tech provide a wide range of design and engineering consultancy services with a focus on 4 key sectors; Workboats and Commercial Vessels, Shipping, Special Projects and Leisure Marine and Yachts.
BAR Technologies offer a cohesive team of world lead naval architects and optimisation specialists; fluid dynamists; mechanical, structural and composite engineers; control strategy and system specialists; they offer data and simulation engineers with access to the latest commercial knowledge, using bespoke in-house design tools.
BAR Technologies originally entered this market to challenge themselves to incorporate their broad knowledge of naval architecture, simulation, CFD and patented IP into a superior Crew Transfer Vessel for taking technicians to work on Wind Turbines (amongst other uses). The aim being to improve seakeeping and help make a green energy sector even greener by dramatically reducing fuel requirements.
To find out more about BAR Technologies, please visit: https://www.bartechnologies.uk/
