Atlantic Wind Transfers in the US has signed a contract for two Chartwell 24 crew transfer vessels developed by Chartwell Marine in the UK
The vessels, to be deployed in support of offshore windfarms off the east coast of the US, will be built by Blount Boats in the US for delivery in 2020.
Atlantic Wind Transfers will operate a version of the Chartwell 24 customised to US requirements.
The new vessels will be modified to comply with American environmental regulations and operational conditions. In particular, the vessels will be compliant with legislation protecting the migration route of the protected Right Whale off the north-eastern seaboard, with a specially adapted 20-m hull. The hull has been further adapted to handle the Atlantic sea conditions.
The designer said the modifications have been introduced without compromising the Chartwell 24 and without affecting the design’s minimal wet deck slamming, large, step-free foredeck and transit performance.
Chartwell Marine managing director Andy Page said, “Based on our knowledge of the conditions off the coast of New England, we made modifications to our design to ensure optimal performance.”
Atlantic Wind Transfer chief executive Charles Donadio said, “We were the first CTV company to support offshore wind in the US and have the first and only CTV currently operating there. This is another major milestone for us as we expand our operation and aim to support the local supply chain along the east coast.
“We have worked closely with Andy Page for the last seven years and, based on past experience along with conversations with established European CTV operators, we knew that the Chartwell 24 would be a class-leading, US-flagged, Jones-Act compliant vessel.”
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