Chartwell Marine, Bar Technologies awarded ABS approval for windfarm crewboat

Naval architecture firms Chartwell Marine and Bar Technologies have secured an approval in principle (AiP) by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the design and construction of a new 30-metre crewboat optimised for windfarm support duties.

The vessel will have a length of 30 metres and a foil-optimised stability system to enhance seakeeping and manoeuvrability, while reducing vertical acceleration by up to 70 per cent in 2.5-metre wave heights.

The crewboat will also ensure up to 50 per cent fuel efficiency savings at 15 knots, keeping emissions within EPA Tier IV guidelines.

This initial vessel will be closely followed by a 50-metre variant capable of a maximum speed of 45 knots and a speed of 30 knots in a three-metre-high sea without exceeding vertical acceleration limits.