First classification for hybrid surface effect ship

This innovative vessel features an air cushion, twin hulls and an innovative diesel and electric drivetrain with considerable battery storage onboard.

With a capacity of 24 passengers, the CWind Pioneer is a direct response to the needs of the offshore wind industry for innovative technologies that reduce CO2 emissions and provide cost-effective services to windfarms located further offshore. The CWind Pioneer can operate at speeds exceeding 43kts, and can transfer personnel safely and comfortably even in extreme weather conditions with significant wave heights up to 2m, permitting greater operational windows.

Its air cushion motion control system provides significant advantages, with smoother and more comfortable conditions on-board and increased operational days offshore. The CWind Pioneer is being used at the Borssele 1 and 2 offshore wind farms in the Netherlands.

The vessel is indeed a pioneer in many aspects. It is a first of its kind with a hybrid diesel and battery electric power system, which enables the vessel to operate purely on battery power alongside or at slow speeds, such as when transiting restricted waterways or on standby in the windfarm, which helps reduce fuel consumption, reduce [diesel] engine running hours and lower CO2 emissions.

Herman Spilker, VP North Europe for Bureau Veritas, commented: “Through the diversity of our fleet, Bureau Veritas has built high technical expertise which help support the development of the CWind Pioneer’s step-change design and eco-friendly operations. We are proud of this superb achievement and we wish its technicians and crew safe and comfortable sailing.”

Bureau Veritas was involved with the project from its early design stages. Close cooperation with the designers, ESNA – a Norwegian Naval Architecture company, and Global Marine Group’s in-house Engineering Department and shipbuilders, Wight Shipyard Co., enabled Bureau Veritas experts to provide their technical and regulatory expertise. In order to ensure that CWind Pioneer can take full advantage of the Electric Hybrid technology in a safe manner, Bureau Veritas has assigned the notation Electric Hybrid (PM, ZE). This notation provides a comprehensive framework for the safe implementation of this technology while achieving the client’s objectives of working at zero-emission mode, at port or at standby in the offshore wind farm, as well as enhancing speed performance in boost mode to reduce transfer time between shore and the offshore wind farms.

Connect with Wight Shipyard Co at Seawork Connect from 5^th -7^th October