Commercial Rib Charter commission the build of the world’s first amphibious Crew Transfer Vessel

4 February 2022

Cowes, UK (04-02-22) – Commercial Rib Charter commission the build of the world’s first amphibious Crew Transfer Vessel for a six-year contract at RWE’s Scroby Sands wind farm off Great Yarmouth. In another first, ‘CRC Walrus’ is to be powered by Cox’s new 300HP diesel outboard engines.


RWE have been wrestling for several years with the difficulties of ever-changing sand banks restricting access to their Scroby Sands Wind farm. Aston Goddard of RWE challenged their specialist shallow draft CTV provider ‘Commercial Rib Charter’ to find an innovative solution. 


A textbook collaboration between RWE, RWE’s contract holder Commercial Rib Charter, naval architects Chartwell Marine and Isle of Wight based boat builders Diverse Marine has led to the design of the world’s first purpose built amphibious crew transfer vessel. The new boat is to be named ‘CRC Walrus’ in honour of R.J. Mitchells’ classic 1930’s Supermarine amphibious biplane.


‘CRC Walrus’ is a twelve-metre type approved crew transfer vessel with seating for two crew and eight passengers. There is a 750KG deck cargo capacity and the usual bow transfer system. Service speed is 23kts with a sprint speed of 29kts.


Powered by two Cox 300Hp diesel engines the vessel will draw only 80cm. The 600HP of motive power generated by the outboards will reduce fuel consumption by 50% over conventional inboard engines, thus further supporting RWE’s carbon neutral target.


‘CRC Walrus’ will transition from sea going to amphibious by lowering three hydraulically operated oversized wheels steered by a single nose wheel allowing her to ‘dock’ with the turbine ladder. The hydraulic system is powered by a generator.


Stuart Hedges of Commercial Rib Charter says ‘’The collaborative approach we have taken has helped mitigate the risk on such a technically innovative project. Working with highly competent marine architects and a boat builder steeped in experience has not only produced an excellent design but has done so to both budget and timetable. We signed the build contract with Diverse Marine in December, and we plan to be operational at Scroby in September this year.’’


Aston Goddard of RWE, who was himself a former CTV skipper on the windfarm is full of praise for the project. ‘’For many years we have trialled and tested various operational approaches to allow us to maintain continuous access to our turbines despite a rising seabed. Through the incredible support of both the internal RWE team and Commercial Rib Charter a bold and innovative vessel design has entered build which will deliver a step change in operational efficiency.’’ 


Ben Colman - Managing Director of Diverse Marine commented: “On behalf of the team at Diverse Marine and our UK supply chain I am delighted to have signed this contract with Stuart Hedges and Commercial RIB Charter. We have enjoyed a good relationship with Stuart and his operations team for over 5 years, supporting his existing CTV fleet and now adding CRC as a new construction partner. It is also great to be building this vessel for the Scroby Sands Offshore Wind Farm as we worked with the team there to build their last bespoke CTV ‘Eastern Aura’, now owned by CRC and named ‘CRC Vulcan’. Diverse Marine has a passion for the development of new technology that can be implemented in different market sectors and has a solid, proven track record of successfully delivering these projects in conjunction with many clients and supply chains. This 13m amphibious CTV is in good company and one we are super keen and grateful to be involved with. The team will take a very active role in configuring the vessel for its role at Scroby Sands.

 

Andy Page of Chartwell Marine commented: ”For Chartwell Marine this project represents another great opportunity to provide an innovative solution to a difficult challenge. We have been designing boats for offshore wind for over ten years now and as such have fond memories of running out the pier heads in Great Yarmouth to Scroby Sands. I think almost all the vessels that we have been involved in on the east coast have been tested there. RWE have always been very receptive to new ideas and have let us trial a number of concepts over the years including but not limited to novel bow fendering/ transfer solutions. This boat is a clear example of that, and represents a coming together of ingenuity and engineering capability between site manager, vessel operator, designer and builder. We are hugely grateful to Stuart and CRC for bringing us into the consortium and are looking forward to the build of the boat with the rest of the team.” 


NR Marine Services commissions Chartwell Marine to bring a new legacy turbine vessel to the market

11 June 2025
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

NR Marine Services and WMD announce development of New Cyclone Class CTV

6 June 2025
Cowes, UK (06.06.25) Following on from the success of the Storm Class CTV’s, we are delighted to announce that NR Marine Services have engaged WMD to develop the new Cyclone Class CTV. Building on the proven capabilities of the Storm Class, the Cyclone Class will enhance onboard accommodation and welfare facilities, offering a new level of comfort and functionality for offshore operations. NR Marine’s Storm Class vessels have been designed by WMD and built at Isle of Wight shipyard, Diverse Marine. The Cyclone Class continues NR Marine’s commitment to supporting UK design and shipbuilding. With an extended 29-metre hull, the Cyclone Class allows for increased internal volume, accommodating up to 6 cabins and 24 passengers. Key design features include: Deck cargo capacity: 30 tonnes Propulsion: 4 x Volvo IPS1050 Maximum speed: 28 knots Length: 29 metres Richard Thurlow, Director at NR Marine says “Working with WMD on the new Cyclone range was a no-brainer. Their previous designs have exceeded expectations, and we’re excited to welcome this new vessel into our fleet.” Nikki Walker, Project Manager at WMD comments “We’ve really enjoyed seeing NR Marine grow since the delivery of their first WMD-designed vessel. Being trusted to help them develop a new class of vessel is a huge compliment, and we look forward to seeing the Cyclone Class take shape and enter operation.” WMD will be exhibiting at Stand G19 from 10–12 June 2025 in Southampton. NR Marine will be showcasing their new vessel, NR HUNTER, at Berth VB22 alongside Diverse Marine.

Diverse Marine’s Finance & Lease Programme Delivers Two CTVs, with Five More in Build

27 February 2025
Cowes, UK (27-02-25) Since launching its Finance & Lease Programme in November 2023, Diverse Marine has successfully delivered two crew transfer vessels (CTVs), with three more currently in build for delivery this year and two further shortly thereafter of the first batch.The programme continues to operate as a rolling initiative, providing new-build CTVs based on customer demand. The first vessel completed under the programme was NR Alpha, which was unveiled at Seawork last year. This Storm Class CTV has set new benchmarks for fuel efficiency and performance, leading NR Marine Services to order a third vessel—NR Rival, the first of the new Typhoon Class CTVs. NR Rival was delivered in January 2025. TheTyphoon Class features a hull form designed for exceptional head-sea performance and tower access while maintaining high buoyancy reserves for superior seakeeping in following and stern-quarter seas. It also comes with Zero Emissions (Power Management) class notation, recognising its efficiency in reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Stock Build 3, a first Brevity Class CTV is undergoing sea trials with the vessel available for quick delivery following rebrand to suit a prospective clients requirements. Stock Build 4, to be named NR Rebellion, a second Typhoon Class CTV, is now in its final build phase, with the wheelhouse and saloon fitted earlier this month. Again ordered by NR Marine Services, she is scheduled for launch and sea trials in March. Owen Nutt, Director at NR Marine Services, commented: “Receiving three world-class CTVs in the last 10 months has been transformative for our business. Each vessel has outperformed expectations in speed and efficiency, delivering significant fuel cost savings for our clients.This success has given us the confidence to order another Typhoon Class CTV and another Storm Class CTV through Diverse Marine’s Finance & Lease Programme, and we look forward to putting them to work soon.” Meanwhile, Stock Build 5, to be named NR Hunter, a third Storm Class CTV, is currently under construction at Diverse Marine’s facility in Cowes and will be launched at Seawork in June. Stock Build 6, an Ambitious Class CTV is also currently under construction and will be delivered to OEG, whilst Stock Build 7, a further Brevity Class CTV, will follow in Q3/Q4 of this year. Ben Colman, Director at Diverse Marine, added: “The success of our Finance & Lease Programme is proving that high-quality, next-generation CTVs can be more accessible and affordable for operators. By reducing the financial barriers to vessel ownership, we’re enabling companies to upgrade their fleets with more efficient and capable vessels. With four more vessels in build and strong interest in future slots, we look forward to continuing to support the offshore wind industry with innovative financing and cutting-edge designs.” For more information on the Diverse Marine Finance & Lease Programme, including availability and build slots, please contact Ben Colman or Peter Curtis on 01983 300656.
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