Offshore staff
SOUTHAMPTON, UK – ABS has issued approval in principle (AiP) to BAR Technologies and Chartwell Marine for the design and construction of the new BAR 30-m (98-ft) crew transfer vessel (CTV).
This AiP is a further stepping-stone toward an advanced, class-certified, Jones Act compliant fleet of offshore wind support vessels for the US market, the companies said. Following on from the AiP awarded to the Chartwell 24 vessel design earlier this year, it expands the range of complementary options available to the US offshore wind market for efficient and capable vessel support.
Vessels servicing the expanding East Coast offshore wind development areas will increasingly need to travel farther for longer, while navigating deeper waters and greater wave heights. This must be achieved without compromising on efficiency or environmental standards, in accordance with US coastguard guidelines surrounding emissions and Right Whale compliance.
In response to this challenge, BAR, with the support of Chartwell, have developed a 30-m CTV, making use of FOSS technology (foil optimized stability system) to enhance seakeeping and maneuverability, while reducing vertical acceleration by up to 70% in 2.5-m (8.2-ft) wave heights. The vessel also demonstrates up to 50% fuel efficiency savings at 15 knots, keeping emissions at bay in line with EPA Tier 4 guidelines.
According to the companies, this initial vessel will be followed by a 50-m (164-ft) variant capable of 45 knots top speed and 30 knots in a 3-m (9.8-ft) high sea without exceeding vertical acceleration limits. The 40-passenger boat with a similar hull form and FOSS technology is focused on the replacement of helicopter transfer for workers in the Gulf of Mexico.
This new design will work in partnership with the proven vessels in the Chartwell 24 range, including the Right Whale variant. Alterations to the hull form of the latter have been made to adhere to the legislation in place that protects the migration route of the Right Whale on the East Coast, along with optimized propulsion configurations to meet EPA Tier 4 emissions standards.
As part of the AiP process, the vessel designs have met stringent criteria from the ABS Rules for Building and Classing High Speed Craft 2020.
08/18/2020
