VESSEL REVIEW | Ocean Transfer – Irish operator’s newest crewboat with secondary survey and dive support functions

Atlantic Towage and Marine, a marine services provider operating out of County Cork, Ireland, has taken delivery of a new crewboat built by local company Mooney Boats.

Ocean Transfer was built to a design by UK naval architecture firm Marine Design International. The vessel will primarily support operations at offshore wind farms but may also serve clients in the oil and gas sector.

Compact multi-role platform for offshore duties

Although built from the outset as a crewboat, the vessel is also equipped to accommodate divers and their gear as well as survey equipment. This makes it a suitable asset for companies involved in underwater surveys, maintenance, and other subsea operations.

Ocean Transfer has all-aluminium construction, an LOA of 13.98 metres (45.87 feet), a beam of 3.95 metres (13 feet), a draught of only 1.46 metres (4.79 feet), and space for up to 12 offshore technicians in addition to two crewmembers. Three Yamaha XF425 V8 petrol outboard engines that each produce 317 kW (425 hp) will deliver speeds of up to 25 knots.

Some of the vessel’s key features are a Yamaha Helm Master joystick control, Zipwake automatic trim tabs that correct pitch and roll, and NorSap suspension seats for enhanced control and comfort. These features contribute to improved seakeeping for smoother rides with reduced risk of injury and fatigue even during fast transits in offshore waters.

The Yamaha joystick control works in conjunction with the vessel’s bow thruster to ensure precise control when manoeuvring as well as docking for safer crew transfers at offshore turbines and platforms.

The crewboat’s road-transportable design enables rapid deployment across Europe, making it ideal for marine contractors and offshore operations. There is also maximised storage space for equipment and supplies.

The deck equipment includes four capstans and attachment points for use with survey equipment and dive ladders. Lightweight, high-strength foam fendering from Tecnofender is fitted on the hull.

Enhanced safety and comfort

The wheelhouse has frameless glass windows including upward-facing windows for improved visibility from the helm station, which is crucial when operating near offshore platforms and other vessels. Technician access to the wheelhouse is via a front-mounted canopy door with windscreen.

The heated interior features LED mood lighting, USB charging ports, and space for dive computers to which divers can connect via umbilical cords. The electronics suite meanwhile includes a Simrad radar.

The onboard facilities include a wet room/toilet and a small galley with a refrigerator and equipment for serving hot drinks.

Ocean Transfer was designed and built in compliance with Irish flag requirements as well as those of the UK Workboat Code and class society Bureau Veritas (BV). In particular, the vessel satisfies BV’s Hull Ce-B mod B+F SEA AREA 2 notations to permit safe operation in European waters.