Two new crew transfer vessels (CTVs) have been launched to meet demand from offshore wind farm operators as the UK and European offshore wind power sector expands.

CTV

One of Tidal Transit's older CTVs undertaking offshore wind farm work. Photo: Tidal Transit

Tidal Transit's 19m South Boats-built vessels come from the used market, having previously been owned by international shipping company Vroon. They have undergone full refurbishment at Grimsby Shipyard Services.

Ava Sofie was launched on 22 April and Honor Mhari was launched on 6 May. They join Tidal Transit's existing Mercurio-built CTVs and bring the total number of CTVs in the company's fleet to six.

Tidal Transit's commercial director, Leo Hambro, said: "We saw the MAN powered Southboats as particularly attractive additions to the fleet, due to shared common parts, and their design, which will allow us to diversify and serve projects requiring shallower drafts. We believe people will be very surprised to see what we will achieve with these proven Southboats hull forms with the modifications that we have already, and will continue, to make."

Refurbishment changes have been made to increase speed, fuel efficiency and transfer performance. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing measures have been introduced by the installation of additional crew and passenger separators to allow continued operations for Tidal Transit's wind farm clients.

By Rebecca Jeffrey

Topics