Canadian firm unveils methanol-fueled crewboat design

Canadian naval architects Robert Allan Ltd has unveiled the first images of a new design of windfarm crewboat that will be powered by methanol.

Each vessel in the series will have an LOA of 23.8 metres, a moulded beam of eight metres, and a total methanol fuel tank capacity of 12,000 litres. Four Scania DI16 450kW main engines will deliver speeds in excess of 25 knots.

The main deck has seating for 12 windfarm service personnel while cabins are available for the master and two other crewmembers.

The new crewboat series is being developed with support from the Carbon Trust, UK and the Offshore Wind Accelerator program. The vessels are being designed for compliance with Interim Guidelines for Safety of Ships Using Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol as Fuel and Lloyd’s Register Rules for the Classification of Methanol Fuelled Ships.