(SOUTHAMPTON, United Kingdom) — Naval architects BAR Technologies,and Chartwell Marine, a pioneer in next-generation vessel design, have been awarded approval in principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the design and construction of the innovative new BAR 98-foot (30 meter) crew transfer vessel (CTV).
This AiP is a further steppingstone toward an advanced, class-certified, Jones Act-compliant fleet of offshore wind support vessels for the U.S. market. 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 industry for highly efficient and capable vessel support.
Vessels servicing the expanding East Coast offshore wind development areas will increasingly need to travel further for longer, while navigating deeper waters and greater wave heights. This must be achieved without compromising on efficiency or environmental standards, in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard guidelines surrounding emissions and right whale compliance.
In response to this challenge, BAR, with the support of Chartwell, have developed a 30-meter CTV, making use of FOSS technology (foil optimized stability system) to enhance seakeeping and maneuverability, while reducing vertical acceleration by up to 70 percent in 8-foot (2.5 meter) wave heights. While offering greater levels of availability in rough seas, the BAR 30m CTV also demonstrates up to 50 percent fuel efficiency savings at 15 knots, keeping emissions at bay in line with stringent EPA Tier 4 guidelines.
This initial vessel will be closely followed by a 50-meter variant capable of 45 knots top speed and 30 knots in a 3-meter seas 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.
Securing AiP offers the highest level of assurance that these innovative vessel designs will be built in-line with specific U.S. requirements. 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.
