Incat Crowther is pleased to announce a new 27m Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) for Patriot Offshore Maritime Services, to service Massachusetts’ Vineyard Wind project. This US-built and operated CTV will bring together Incat Crowther’s breadth of experience in designing vessels for offshore wind farm operators around the world, combined with its extensive knowledge of US shipbuilding standards, regulations, and supply chain.
To be constructed at Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding in Somerset, Massachusetts, the vessel is the latest chapter in a long and storied relationship between designer and builder which includes 43 vessels built together since 1987. Whilst outwardly similar to Incat Crowther’s series of recently delivered 27m CTVs which are operating in Europe, the vessel is in fact a new design, tailor-made for American preferences, materials and requirements.
The vessel features a large working deck and cargo zone, featuring ample room for both 10ft and 20ft containers, as well as a moon pool, whilst the aft deck also adds flexibility with additional cargo capacity.
The main deck cabin has spacious facilities, including a saloon for 24 personnel, complete with pantry, lockers, showers and toilets, and crew accommodations. The elevated wheelhouse provides excellent visibility, allowing safe and effective operation, especially when approaching and docking at turbine boat landings.
The vessel is designed to maximise performance efficiency and operation. With a maximum deadweight capacity of 50 tonnes and a foredeck area of 80m2, the vessel is designed with functionality and versatility in mind. Incat Crowther’s Resilient Bow Technology fender system will be fitted for minimising impact loads on the boat landing and vessel’s structure whilst maximising the vessel’s wave-height transfer capability.
Main propulsion will be provided by four Scania DI16 082M diesel engines each rated at 588kW at 2100 rpm coupled to Hamilton HM521 waterjets.
Incat Crowther has been able to seamlessly transfer the knowledge gained from designing CTVs for Europe and Asia, and apply this experience to custom designs for the US market. “This vessel is another demonstration of Incat Crowther’s unique position of having well-established offices in both the US and Europe with experience in the design of successful vessels for service in offshore energy”, says Ed Dudson of Incat Crowther’s UK-based office. Added Grant Pecoraro of Incat Crowther US-based office, “Incat Crowther is thrilled to have the opportunity to once again work with the team at Gladding Hearn. We have been preparing for this exciting new horizon in the US offshore wind market for several years and we are pleased to offer our proven capabilities to Patriot Offshore Maritime Services and Vineyard Wind.”
The new vessel will be completed in mid-2023.