Purus Wind orders eight, methanol-ready low-emissions vessels for offshore wind operations

The deal includes four ‘Damen Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 2710 Hybrid’ crew transfer vessels (CTVs), three Damen FCS 3210 Hybrid CTVs and a 90-m commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV).

The FCS 3210s and the CSOV are designed for what Daman described as “ultra-low emission operations” and to be upgraded to methanol-fuelled engines at a later date.

The Hybrid FCS 2710s will join the three other hybrids that Purus Wind-owned HST Marine ordered from Damen in the second half of 2022. The new vessels will be updated with a number of design adjustments such as an improved wheelhouse window arrangement and bridge console layout. The Twin Axe hullform will ensure excellent stability and fuel economy as well as providing extensive deck space and accommodation. 

The larger FCS 3210s are a new design that uses the same Twin Axe hullform and shares many of the same attributes as the FCS 2710s. As with the new FCS 2710s, a hybrid battery pack for zero-emissions operation is integrated into the design. The greater length of the vessels allows additional space for crew and passengers. Space is also reserved for possible conversion to methanol fuel. 

An exhaust gas after-treatment system is included in the design, to ensure that the vessels are IMO Tier III compliant. The FCS 3210s are designed to serve offshore windfarms that are far from shore. Damen said High Speed Transfers has contributed its operational experience to the design and engineering of the FCS 3210.

The latest vessel in the 90-m Damen CSOV series will be highly versatile and capable of carrying up to 120 people in comfort for up to 30 days at a time. In addition to the diesel/electric propulsion system and batteries, innovative features include a hull design that is almost symmetrical fore and aft below the waterline, on which will be mounted Damen’s DPX-Drive. This has four identical thruster units – two forward and two aft - for highly precise manoeuvring and station keeping. 

Other features include excellent stability, which is further enhanced by a large anti-roll tank. A motion-compensated gangway and crane will also ensure smooth transfers of personnel and equipment. Like the CTVs, the CSOV design has space reserved for additional battery capacity as and when it is required and will also be prepared for conversion to methanol engines and offshore charging.

HST Marine chief executive Tom Nevin said, “These vessels will support a pathway for our clients to decarbonize their operations and to maintain our position as a leader with the lowest carbon offshore wind support fleet. We are excited about the potential of what will be our first hybrid vessels with the ability to convert to methanol.” 

The new vessels are scheduled to be delivered between 2024 and early 2027.