Chartwell targets small fishing market with new "Catchwell" catamaran design
13 December 2018
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New Catchwell catamaran, with design input from Diverse Marine, brings technology and lessons learnt from large vessel operation to private and small-scale commercial fishing
Chartwell Marine, a pioneer in next generation vessel design, has announced the launch of the Catchwell, a brand-new vessel design for the small-scale private and commercial fishing sector. The catamaran design responds to extensive feedback from fishermen, alongside operational lessons learnt from advanced maritime industries, such as offshore wind.
The Catchwell, available in 10 metre and 12 metre models, is optimised for carrying high loads, with a semi-modular catamaran hull form that can be adapted to the needs of the fisherman or operator. The first vessel is currently in build on the Isle of Wight by experienced vessel construction, refit, repair & maintenance specialist, Diverse Marine, who have provided extensive input during the design process.
As many of the existing vessels at the smaller end of the market start to reach the end of their lifetime – and as opportunities emerge for small-scale fishing in Europe and further afield – demand for new, more capable fishing boats is growing. Vessel owners who invested in catamarans 10 to 15 years ago and are now looking to replace their boats, alongside new entrants to the market, now have an opportunity to take advantage of a new generation of vessels with significantly enhanced performance and efficiency.
In particular, many existing small catamaran designs are not well optimised for high volumes of cargo. With limited reserve buoyancy, a large catch may cause ‘wet deck slamming’ – the results of which are an uncomfortable ride in rough waters, potential damage to the structural integrity of the vessel, and also more fuel burnt during operation.
The new Catchwell design benefits from significant research and development carried out in the development of state-of-the-art crew transfer and support vessels for the offshore wind energy sector. The vessel has been designed with a higher freeboard, meaning that the wet deck between the twin hulls of the catamaran doesn’t come into contact with the water, even under heavy loading. This avoids aggressive vertical accelerations, leading to a smoother, safer and more fuel-efficient ride.
Alongside this new hull form, the Catchwell brings in a number of tried and tested innovations from larger catamarans that enhance the long-term reliability of the vessel, faced with long operational hours in rough waters. These include commonality of components across the vessel, which makes conducting repairs on board as simple as possible and reduces time spent out of action.
Andy Page, Managing Director, Chartwell Marine said, “In light of market conditions over the past few years, the design of smaller fishing vessels hasn’t really moved on, leaving private and commercial operators with a shortage of high-quality options.”
“Now, with prospects looking a little better – and simultaneously many older vessels going out of service – we have an opportunity to address this by taking lessons learnt from other sectors and applying them in the development of a new breed of modern, safe and efficient workboats.”
Ben Colman, Director, Diverse Marine, added “Having worked extensively with fishing vessel operators – and taken years of feedback into the development process with Chartwell – we are confident that the Catchwell is the small fishing boat that the market is looking for. With the first vessel in build, we’re applying the same rigour and principles that go into the construction of larger catamarans, to ensure that quality of design is matched by quality of build.”
To read more and view the Catchwell specification sheet, please click HERE
23-09-26 Hamburg, WindEnergy 2026
Diverse Marine is celebrating a significant milestone in its story, marking 50 vessels with a rather different viewpoint. From crew transfer vessels and lifeboats to daughter craft, specialist workboats and high-speed passenger vessels, the first 50 vessels represent the breadth of work undertaken by Diverse Marine and the expertise of the team behind them. Built in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, Diverse Marine vessels are now working across offshore energy, search and rescue, commercial marine and passenger operations around the world. Built by a team Every vessel begins with a different requirement. Some are designed to transfer technicians safely and efficiently to offshore wind farms. Others support search and rescue operations, carry passengers or undertake specialist work in demanding environments. Behind each one is the same combination of naval architecture, engineering, fabrication and craftsmanship, together with close collaboration between Diverse Marine, its clients, designers, suppliers and partners. Reaching 50 vessels is therefore about rather more than a number. It is a reflection of the people who have designed, built and delivered them. Celebrating a little differently To mark the milestone, Diverse Marine decided that the usual photograph at the shipyard gates was not quite enough. So, with FARRA ERIU providing the backdrop to the celebration, the team took to the water – and the skies – above the Isle of Wight.
Southampton, 17th June 2025 — NR Marine Services is excited to announce that it has commissioned Chartwell Marine, a trusted pioneer of next-generation vessel design, to design a new CTV in response to client requests for a new class of vessel that is capable of supporting older generation assets, now referred to as legacy turbines, but utilising modern construction and outfit technology to maximise vessel fuel efficiency and technician comfort. It has been a generation since UK based Naval Architects and Shipyards designed a sub 22m, sub 60 tonne, sub 3m bow height crew transfer vessel. Chartwell Marine has developed the ‘Defiant Class”, a 20m CTV designed to Workboat Code Edition 3 with IMO Tier 3 compliance featuring a step free flush forward deck, resiliently mounted superstructure and modern furnishings and materials used in larger CTVs. This is a bold, DEFIANT step to do different, to create a new class of smaller CTV required for legacy turbines whilst not losing the core identity of modern UK designed, UK built and UK operated CTVs. DEFIANT in compliance, this new class of CTV will comply with Workboat Code Edition 3, IMO Tier 3 and the spirit and core fundamentals of HS_OSC – albeit in a more cost-effective approach. DEFIANT in pricing, it is essential the new class is cost effective in the modern market. UK quality but smartly sized to benefit from UK supply chain core strengths and therefore pricing. DEFIANT in reliability, working with supply chain to integrate a new, smaller Quad IPS IMO Tier 3 or Hamilton Waterjet propulsion solution with high power to weight ratio whilst maintaining simple, quality and reliable engineering. DEFIANT in change, accepting most legacy turbines have unique site requirements, the vessel retains flexibility to be tailored to different projects from a water jet propulsion system for shallow water sites and hybrid options where budgets allow to internal modularity to suit different racking and seating solutions. Andy Page of Chartwell Marine Ltd. said: “It is always enjoyable bringing a new class of vessel to the market. What’s interesting in this case, is the vessel is based-on “legacy vessel” parameters but with modern up-to-date experienced thinking. With the Defiant Class, we are able to utilise our proven high efficiency, high seakeeping performance hull form, in a smaller, more dynamic cost-effective platform, appropriate for the legacy turbine projects the vessels are intended to support”. Richard Thurlow of NR Marine Services Ltd. adds: “NR Marine Services is excited to be the first to bring the brand-new Chartwell DEFIANT Class CTV to the market. With strong industry focus being on the HSOSC market space, the CTV development has been taken away from the smaller vessel market. Working closely with Chartwell Marine and Diverse Marine we have looked at incorporating as many of the recent CTV developments a possible into a smaller package. Step free access from deck level to bow step over point, tiered seating, Male and Female heads, comprehensive galley suite and optimised hull design for near shore projects. Following an internal fleet review long with external market research, the data shows that there is a potential to replace older tonnage which is between 10-15 years old for near shore projects which have a lifespan that warrants investment in new CTV’s”. Ben Colman of Diverse Marine Ltd. adds: “Many years ago, the UK proved that building large numbers of smaller CTV’s was possible but these times have been forgotten as the CTV industry as evolved into larger. HS-OSC compliant craft. It is both exciting and challenging to be involved a project to build a new smaller CTV that meets the growing demand for legacy turbine access with modern technological compliance, modern materials, high fuel efficiency, hybrid options. Put simply the Defiant hosts, a modern, clean and spacious environment but on a smaller highly efficient platform that suits the smaller harbours, short transit sites and shallow water projects." ENDS Chartwell Marine is a trusted pioneer of next-generation vessel design. A reputed naval architect with an industry-leading track record designing award-winning high-speed vessels, Chartwell Marine supports ambitious boat builders and vessel operators around the world with specialist, independent design and consultancy services. To find out more, please visit: http://www.chartwellmarine.com/ About NR Marine Services: At NR Marine Services Ltd. we own and operate a fleet of seven vessels. Our services are available in the UK and throughout Europe. We pride ourselves on our offshore wind industry experience of more than 20 years’, including management of crew transfer vessels, turbine management in construction, commissioning and operational phases. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Great Yarmouth our vessels are available for a wide range of duties. To find out more, please visit: https://www.nrmarine.co.uk
