UK-based naval architecture firm Chartwell Marine and the Cooperative Association of Japan Shipbuilders (CAJS), an industry organisation representing 59 shipyards in Japan, have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the development and local construction of vessels for Japan’s offshore wind industry.
The collaboration will focus on crewboats and service operation vessels (SOVs) based on Chartwell Marine’s conceptual designs that have been introduced in Japan through a Nippon Foundation-supported programme led by CAJS.
Under the MOU, the companies will work together to support Japanese shipowners, operators and shipyards on potential vessel projects and the early stages of design development.
CAJS will act as an intermediary between domestic stakeholders and Chartwell, facilitating communication and knowledge exchange to support locally built vessels that meet project requirements and local content rules.
Chartwell Marine said the agreement may also extend in the future to support other advanced vessel types, including battery-powered and hybrid high-speed passenger vessels.
Chartwell Marine Managing Director Andy Page said that CAJS' efforts in connecting shipyards and enabling cooperation, "are helping lay the foundations for a stronger offshore wind vessel supply chain in Japan."
