WATCH: Chartwell Marine design enters US offshore operations

A Chartwell Marine-designed crew vessel has been delivered for offshore operations in the US, powered by Volvo Penta.

Derecktor Shipyards has delivered DC1, a 12-metre daughter craft built for CREST at Derecktor’s Mamaroneck, New York facility.

The catamaran will be operated from a service operation vessel (SOV) to support personnel transfers, inspection work and general offshore tasks. It also forms the basis for a semi-custom production line planned by Derecktor and Chartwell, aimed at offshore energy, coastal research, patrol and fast-response applications.

The vessel is built to US Coast Guard Subchapter T requirements and can carry two crew and up to eight technicians. Principal dimensions include an overall length of 12 metres, beam of 4.2 metres and draught of approximately 0.6 metres.

The aluminium hull is a development of Chartwell Marine’s existing daughter-craft platform, designed to offer stable behaviour when operating close to larger assets such as SOVs or offshore structures.

Twin Volvo Penta IPS D6-500 units provide the vessel’s power, with a steerable pod-based thrust enabling close-quarters manoeuvring and station-keeping alongside offshore assets for personnel transfers and equipment handling.

Fuel efficiency, speed capability and handling were key considerations in selecting the propulsion package, given the vessel’s intended profile of short-range but high-frequency operational duties.

According to Derecktor, the hull form, machinery layout and deck arrangement were developed to suit US construction methods while retaining the design characteristics of the original Chartwell platform. Systems and outfitting have been configured to support routine offshore maintenance tasks, with adaptable deck space and provisions for tooling and small-equipment stowage.

With DC1 now in service, Derecktor and Chartwell intend to use the design as a standardised foundation for subsequent builds.