CWind secures contract to deliver world’s first hybrid propulsion SES crewboat to Ørsted

UK crewboat operator CWind has entered into a long-term charter contract agreement with Ørsted wherein the world’s first hybrid powered surface effect ship (SES) will begin supporting Ørsted’s Borselle 1 and 2 offshore wind farms by mid-2020.

The agreement covers an initial three-year firm charter with options available for a further two years.

The hybrid SES crewboat will be operating from the Dutch port of Vlissingen to Borssele 1 and 2 located 23 kilometres from the Dutch coast in the North Sea.

CWind added that the vessel will have electric and diesel propulsion to reduce CO2 emissions while the surface effect hull form will help ensure faster personnel transfers as well as increased passenger comfort.

The SES is being developed in partnership with Norwegian ship design firm ESNA and UK builder Wight Shipyard.