Funding secured for six newbuild E-CTVs

This strategic expansion is a direct response to growing demand for zero-emission CTV solutions from offshore wind operations and comes hot on the heels of Tidal Transit’s expansion into the South Korean offshore wind market.

“With HICO’s backing, Tidal Transit is committed to making the switch to electric CTVs not just viable, but also inevitable,” said Leo Hambro, director of Tidal Transit.

“The offshore wind industry has a responsibility to its stakeholders and consumers to make this step and actively embrace the rapid decarbonisation of the supply chain.”

Multi-functional

Hambro said the new E-CTVs, built together with the company’s network of marine and engineering partners, mark the world’s first fleet of multi-functional electric CTVs and a major milestone in the journey towards the electrification of offshore wind.

The vessels seek to dramatically lower emissions, give greater energy efficiency and significantly lower operating costs when compared to conventional diesel-powered vessels.

Wind farm operators also stand to benefit from alignment with science-backed emissions goals, lower maintenance downtime, leverage the use of electricity from their own wind farms and achieve greater comfort from the near silent and vibration free propulsion.

The six newbuilds, to be delivered from 2026, will complement Tidal Transit’s existing fleet of ‘electric frontrunner’ CTVs as the industry transitions to electric.

To help accelerate the transition, the company is also spearheading a landmark diesel-to-electric retrofit project, (e-Ginny), funded by Innovate UK and the UK Department of Transport, which aims to prove that existing diesel CTVs can be converted to 100% electric power and recharged offshore.