Singapore-based shipbuilder Strategic Marine has delivered two new offshore wind crew transfer vessels (CTVs) to Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA).
The two new CTVs are sister vessels to Acti’Vent and Esti’Vent, which are already in LDA’s fleet. The new additions will support the company’s offshore wind operations in France and Europe.
Built at Strategic Marine’s Singapore shipyard, the new 27-metre aluminium catamarans are based on the StratCat 27 design and tailored to meet the demanding operational needs of offshore renewables.
Strategic Marine said that with capacity for 24 technicians, the vessels offer enhanced safety, performance, and comfort – essential for reliable crew transfer in challenging marine environments.
LDA’s managing director for renewables Gaël Cailleaux said: “In line with our commitment to deliver operational excellence, we are confident that these two StratCat 27 vessels will reliably support the growing offshore wind market in France and Europe.”
Strategic Marine’s chief executive Chan Eng Yew added: “We are delighted to deliver these two state-of-the-art CTVs to our valued customer Louis Dreyfus Armateurs.
“These vessels are the second pair of CTVs which we have delivered in the past two years. The deliveries mark another important milestone in our shared commitment to advancing offshore wind operations through innovation, quality, and performance.
“The StratCat 27 continues to prove its value across Europe and Asia, and we look forward to seeing these vessels in action.”
LDA’s decision to expand its CTV fleet comes at a time when numerous offshore wind farms are being developed in France, with more projects planned for the coming years.
LD Tide, a joint venture between Louis Dreyfus Armateurs and Tidal Transit, is managing a fleet of CTVs.
Three of these are dedicated to the St-Nazaire offshore wind farm, serving EDF EN and GE Vernova, while Acti’Vent is responsible for the safe transportation of maintenance technicians to and from the Fécamp offshore wind farm for Siemens Gamesa.
Meanwhile Esti’Vent is being used to support installation phases of offshore wind farms.