UK crew transfer vessel (CTV) owner Tidal Transit has secured equity financing to expand its fleet with six new electric vessels.
Maritime and logistics investor HICO has provided the financing which will enable Tidal Transit to meet growing demand for zero-emission CTVs for offshore wind operations.
The six new builds, to be delivered from 2026, will complement Tidal Transit’s existing fleet of “electric frontrunner” CTV’s whilst the industry transitions to electric.
To help further accelerate this transition, the company is also spearheading a landmark diesel-to-electric retrofit project, (e-Ginny) funded by Innovate UK and the UK Department of Transport, proving that existing diesel CTVs can be converted to 100% electric power and recharged offshore.
Electric CTVs offer “dramatically lower emissions, greater energy efficiency, significantly lower operating costs and greater personnel comfort” than conventional diesel-powered vessels.
Offshore wind farm operators will benefit from alignment with science-backed emissions goals, lower maintenance downtime, the leveraging of electricity from their own wind farms and greater comfort from the near silent and vibration free propulsion.
Leo Hambro, director of Tidal Transit, said: “The continued burning of fossil fuels contradicts the very purpose of harnessing renewable wind power.
“With HICO’s backing, Tidal Transit is committed to making the switch to electric CTVs not just viable, but also inevitable.
“The Offshore Wind Industry has a responsibility to its stakeholders and consumers to make this step and actively embrace the rapid decarbonisation of the supply chain.
“Built together with our network of marine and engineering partners, these six new E-CTVs mark the world’s first fleet of multi-functional electric CTVs and a major milestone in our journey towards the electrification of offshore wind.”
Chris Hartnoll, CEO at HICO Investment Group, added: “This fleet expansion is an industry first, it’s a defining moment for the maritime sector, proving that large-scale electrification of offshore service vessels is no longer a distant aspiration but an operational reality.
“This milestone will accelerate fundamental shift across the industry, unlocking new standards of sustainability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
“We’re proud to support Tidal Transit as they lead the charge in setting a new benchmark for zero-emission offshore energy logistics.”