Diverse Marine completes early delivery of ‘Iceni Valour’ to Turner Iceni despite challenges of pandemic

18 March 2021

Diverse Marine, the industry leading workboat constructor and refit/repair provider is delighted to announce the early delivery of the offshore wind crew transfer vessel ‘Iceni Valour’ to Turner Iceni. The vessel arrived successfully ahead of schedule in North Wales, to commence her 10-year charter in the Liverpool Bay area.

 

‘Iceni Valour’ is a 24m aluminium CTV designed by Walker Marine Design to meet the specific requirements of Turner Iceni and their long term client. Every aspect of the vessel has been designed to maximise vessel reliability and provide the highest levels of comfort for both the crew and the technicians.


Powered by twin MAN D2862 LE263 1400hp main engines with ZF3050 gearboxes and Hamilton Jet HM651 water jet units, the vessel achieved sprint speeds of 29 knots - maintaining a service speed in excess of 25 knots. With 12,000ltrs of fuel and 12 technicians, the vessel can carry 20,000 kg of deck cargo with only a modest reduction in performance. The hybrid ready Hamilton Jet AVX control system also provides station keeping using the Jet-Anchor function to enable low fuel consumption position lock whilst standing by offshore.


Sea trials during February demonstrated minimal speed loss in higher sea states to ensure the vessel remains operational in the harshest of operating conditions. Twin 37kw NANNI generators provide 400V to the switchboard, providing ship wide hotel loads, as well as a power pack for the crane and winch.


The resiliently mounted deckhouse ensures very low vibration, with noise levels of just 58DbA in the passenger saloon at 25 knots. The technician space benefits from Turner Iceni’s considerable experience as a CTV operator and features, shock mitigating seating, automatic climate control, large window areas, concealed lighting, a forward access door together with underfloor heating to ensure the space remains dry on the wettest days. The flat foredeck provides safe and secure access to on/offshore assets.


The bridge provides a next generation configuration for CTV’s, designed with a minimalist helm console with only essential equipment positioned for the skipper, to ensure that all controls are within arcs of movement. Twin Furuno TZ Touch 19” monitors provide the heart of the vessels navigation and communications with the ability to share information to twin 42” and one 32” Hatteland monitors using Furuno Time Zero. At the core is an augmented reality system using a FLIR thermal camera to show AIS targets, routes, waypoints and navigation hazards over a video screen in real time. All non-essential equipment is located aft on a separate console enabling the crew to interrogate all systems without compromising the safe navigation of the vessel.


As Ben Colman, Director of Diverse Marine states, “We are immensely proud of what has been achieved with this build. Our team have worked exceptionally hard through the challenges of a global pandemic to deliver ‘Iceni Valour’ early to the client, but also on budget and to the highest standard. The result is very impressive.”


Richard Thurlow of Turner Iceni adds: “Collectively, with our teams in Lowestoft and Glasgow, we operate a recognised world class standard of service to our clients with world-class British designed and built boats. I am blown away by the quality from Diverse Marine and for delivering ‘Iceni Valour’ in the most challenging of climates.”


3 October 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.
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
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.
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