This is a really impressive sub-30-metre but fast crewboat designed for north European operations. It is an aluminium catamaran capable of 30 knots in choppy seas.
Designed to be sea-kindly, that quality has been successfully achieved and combines well with its economy and durability. She will be readily adaptable for operations in many other sectors beyond offshore wind.
Furioso is the first of a new class of crewboats designed by Chartwell Marine.
"Built in the UK, Furioso is a German-flagged, high-speed craft, now working on a long-term charter in German waters," Andy Page, Chartwell Marine Managing Director, told Baird Maritime.
We overcame these challenges by working with classification society offices as well as German flag state officials.
Page explained that delivering a German-flagged vessel from a UK shipyard came with its own set of challenges.
"We overcame these challenges by selecting compliant equipment and working with head and regional classification society offices as well as German flag state officials."
For Page, ensuring reliability of service is critical to the success of offshore wind projects. Specifically, vessels need to be suitably equipped and engineered to sustain 24/7/365 operations to and from sites in both nearshore and offshore waters.
"It is critical that supply chain and project developers work together to select the right tool for the job, be it a crew transfer vessel, an SOV, or an SOV with a daughtercraft, to allow delivery of a consistent and reliable service."
We must focus on our strengths, ingenuity, innovation and 'can-do' attitude to inspire more people to join the industry.
Page believes that the strength of Britain's own workboat industry lies in the proficiency of its shipyards in delivering vessels of under 500 GT.
"Chartwell Marine-designed vessels are presently under construction at six UK shipyards, all of which are performing fantastically, providing quality newbuilds as well as on-time, predictable refit and repair services," Page told Baird Maritime.
"We must focus on our strengths, ingenuity, innovation and 'can-do' attitude to inspire more people to join the industry to ensure that we can continue to deliver a quality newbuild and refit/repair service."
Page remarked that apprenticeships, graduate schemes and training school collaboration are the key to ensuring the UK is able to maintain its proficiency in 500GT vessel construction.
"We hope that this capability is scaled to suit larger tonnage construction, either entirely in-country or in collaboration with our European neighbours."
For a list of the 2024 "Best Of" award winners, please click here.