AWARDS 2024 | Best Medium Crewboat – Gripper – American Offshore Services
This beautifully fitted-out aluminium catamaran crewboat was constructed for American Offshore Services to service New England offshore wind turbine developments located in often boisterous weather affected regions. Thus it had to comfortably maintain speed in all conditions.
It also required substantial cargo carrying capacity and rugged durability to survive operations around very solid wind turbine towers. It has achieved all those objectives very satisfactorily.
"What makes Gripper truly special is the fact that it’s an in-house design by American Offshore Services (AOS), shaped by our extensive experience and a strong focus on both performance and comfort," David Kristensson, CEO of AOS' parent company the Northern Offshore Group, told Baird Maritime.
"From day one, we prioritised creating a vessel that delivers not only operational excellence but also a modern, comfortable environment for both crew and clients."
Gripper is Jones Act-compliant and built in the US to support the growing offshore industry along the US East Coast, and Kristensson remarked it was also built with future use taken into consideration.
Specifically, its flexible engine configuration allows for easy conversion to hybrid propulsion, making it suitable when a new set of emissions regulations come into effect.
"As Gripper is AOS' first vessel built in the US, right where the offshore wind industry is beginning to take shape, that comes with its own set of challenges, especially as offshore wind is still a relatively young industry in the region," said Kristensson.
However, one of the biggest takeaways AOS gleaned from the commissioning process was the value of strong collaboration. Good relationships with suppliers, authorities, classification societies, and the shipyard helped the company undertake the necessary steps, "smoothly and efficiently."
"Partnerships were key in overcoming obstacles and ensuring the crewboat meets the highest standards in both performance and compliance."
Kristensson said he is optimistic about the future of the offshore wind industry, as the 2024 was a "solid year" for AOS as indicated by steady growth and continued demand for efficient and flexible vessels.
"We've been in this industry for a long time, and while it's growing rapidly, it’s also becoming increasingly competitive," he told Baird Maritime. "That brings both pressure and opportunity, raising the bar for innovation, efficiency, and long-term value.
"That’s why we’re always focused on staying one step ahead, constantly improving performance and anticipating what the market will need next."
Kristensson and the AOS team have also noticed that wind farms are being built farther offshore, thus creating new demand for larger, more reliable vessels with greater endurance and the ability to operate in harsher conditions.
"We're actively developing and adapting our fleet to meet those needs, and that’s part of what makes us excited about what lies ahead."
In Kristensson's view, the offshore wind industry is likely to open up new opportunities for American workboats.
"Momentum is building, especially with the expansion of offshore wind and renewable energy projects," he told Baird Maritime. "With a growing emphasis on sustainability, we can expect to see an increasing number of vessels powered by alternative fuels, hybrid systems, and even fully electric technologies.
"It’s all about adapting to these 'greener', smarter solutions to stay ahead in the industry, and I’m truly optimistic about the positive changes and advancements we’ll see in the coming years."
For a list of the 2024 "Best Of" award winners, please click here.
