Crew transfer vessels for offshore installations

Offshore wind is becoming an increasingly important source of renewable energy. In 2018, there were 18 new offshore wind projects constructed in Europe alone.

The growth in offshore wind farms will increase the need for fast, safe, energy-efficient crew transfer vessels.

WAVECRAFT™ vessels are specifically built for fast, safe and efficient transportation of service personnel to offshore installations such as wind farms and oil platforms. The structural design of the vessels enables safe, high-speed operations in shallow and confined areas. All vessels are equipped with a sophisticated motion control system, which compensates for vertical wave motion, enabling safe access to wind turbines, offshore installations and other vessels.

WAVECRAFT vessels are constructed out of light and resilient composite sandwich materials – two-thirds the weight of aluminium and one-fourth the weight of steel, but just as strong. Reducing the weight of the vessel helps to reduce fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent, along with associated emissions.

Due to their air-cushion catamaran design, weight and onboard technology, WAVECRAFT™ vessels have low power requirements and high fuel economy. This in turn helps to cut CO₂ emissions.

The vessels can operate at up to twice the speed and wave height as equivalent vessels on the market, ensuring a safer, more comfortable journey for crew and passengers.

The vessel is built with composite sandwich materials that require little maintenance, thereby increasing vessel lifetime and cutting maintenance costs.

The global offshore wind market is expected to grow from an estimated USD 27 billion in 2017 to some USD 55 billion by 2022. The demand for crew transfer vessels and other service vessels for offshore wind will grow at a pace.

The WAVECRAFT™ vessel series is manufactured by Umoe Mandal, a leading shipbuilding company with more than 30 years’ experience in designing, building and delivering advanced vessels.