Chelmsford, Tuesday 23 February. CWind, a leading provider of project services, CTVs and GWO-accredited training courses to the offshore wind industry, and part of the Global Marine Group, delivers the world’s first hybrid powered Surface Effect Ship (SES), the CWind Pioneer.
Named the CWind Pioneer to demonstrate its position at the forefront of crew transfer vessel innovation, the vessel was developed in response to an industry-wide push to develop and deploy innovative technologies that reduce CO2 emissions, while cost-effectively servicing windfarms located further offshore. The CWind Pioneer achieves this through a hybrid diesel and battery electric power system which enables the vessel to operate purely on battery power while in harbour or at standby in the windfarm, resulting in a decrease in fuel burn and CO2.
With surface effect hull form and heave compensation technology, the CWind Pioneer can operate at speeds exceeding 43.5kts, and can transit and transfer safely in sea states in excess of 1.8m Hs, while minimising motion and acceleration through its air cushion motion control system, resulting in a smoother, more comfortable CTV experience for technicians and crew. The overall design and build, with 24 passenger capacity, pays particular attention to technician and crew health, safety and comfort, delivering the workforce in the best possible work-ready condition, resulting in increased operation days offshore for our client’s O&M and construction activities.
