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



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.
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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