Diverse Marine & Turner Iceni Announce Upcycling Refit Completion of ‘Iceni Defiant’ on Second Day of Seawork 2022

22 June 2022

Cowes, UK (22-06-22) – Diverse Marine and Turner Iceni are pleased to announce the completion of their fourth upcycling refit, ‘Iceni Defiant’ which has left the yard and headed straight to contract, validating the concept of refitting older craft with modern, efficient and environmentally friendly 

solutions to ensure their future in the offshore wind sector.


The 17m aluminium catamaran, ‘Iceni Defiant’ was first built in 2012 and has worked continuously through her life, but has been challenged over the last few years with a preference towards larger more versatile craft. The solution was an upcycling refit to extend the working life of the vessel, increasing the net book value to a level that allows Turner Iceni to offer higher day rate values with a sensible expectation charter days per annum.


Highlights and features of the refit include: 

• Lengthening of hull and deck by 3.6m 

• Lengthening of technician saloon by 5.5m 

• Reduction of vessel weight 

• Doubling of fuel capacity 

• Repower to Volvo Penta IPS900 

• Minor increase to vessel speed performance 

• 50% reduction in fuel consumption 

• Full interior refit to modernise and reduce weight 

• Full blast and repaint of coatings


The vessel left the yard after the 18-week refit and headed straight to charter on an East Coast project.


Ben Colman, Director of Diverse Marine: “This is the fourth such upcycling refit that we have carried out over the last couple of years and we are very proud to be associated with the life extension of these older assets, installing modern systems and more fuel efficient propulsion packages. These refits compliment and work side by side with our new build programme. As we move toward ‘current generation’ CTV’s having 10 year refits we are actively engaged with operators as to what can be done to modernise these vessels and meet future zero emission requirements.”


Richard Thurlow, Turner Iceni: “Following the success of the ‘MCS Maestro’ to ‘Iceni Warrior’ , ‘MPI Don Quixote’ to ‘Iceni Revenge’ upcycling and life extension refits carried out early in 2019, and the modification and upcycling of ‘Iceni Courage’ in 2020, we had no hesitation in going through the same process with Iceni Defiant. Taking the learnings from these earlier refits and upcycling projects and applying these to Iceni Defiant has truly given her a new lease of life - whilst also making the best use of valuable assets and resources. We really could not be happier.”


Diverse Marine Contact

Ben Colman, Diverse Marine Ltd.

bencolman@diversemarine.co.uk

+44 (0)1983 300656


HST Contact 

Richard Thurlow, Turner Iceni

richard.thurlow@turnericeni.com

+44 (0)333 012 9258

Diverse Marine and OEG Marine Services extend partnership with three further CTVs

20 October 2026
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50 Vessels. One Diverse Marine.

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.

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
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