US vessels outfit Atlantic Wind Transfers (AWT) has ordered six crew transfer vessels (CTVs) designed by Chartwell Marine.
All six boats will be constructed by St. John’s Ship Building at its shipyard in Palatka, Florida.
The first two vessels are expected to be delivered in summer 2023 and January 2024 respectively, with four further builds in the pipeline.
The vessels will be the first US-built CTVs to be compliant with the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 4 regulations, which rank among the most stringent emissions rules for marine engines in the world.
The Jones Act-compliant vessels, certified under US Coast Guard Subchapter L, will be able to operate on any wind farm in the US up to 150 miles offshore, under the Safety and Inspection standards of the US Coast Guard.
AWT operates the only two CTVs in the US under long-term contracts, servicing the Block Island Wind Farm and Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Farm.
AWT’s seven years of operating experience in US offshore wind “brings an impeccable safety track record” while logging over 6600 TP connections and 25,000 personnel transfers.
Charles Donadio, founder of AWT, said: “We’re pleased to strengthen our pioneering status in delivering another first for the US offshore wind sector with these new Tier IV vessel orders.
“Our goal is to build the most reliable, multi-purpose Jones Act CTV fleet in the US, and provide our clients with cutting edge technology while lowering our carbon footprint and meeting all Jones Act and USCG Regulations.”
The Ambitious is Chartwell’s flagship CTV design, comprising a 25.2 metre aluminium catamaran with capacity to transport 24 personnel to and from turbines with speed, safety, and stability. Orders for the Ambitious class design are now well into double figures, with boats currently operating in Scotland, France, and Virginia, Chartwell said.