Seacat Services places four vessel order with Diverse Marine

24 November 2020

Order confirmed for two BAR Technologies designed BARTech 30 crew transfer vessels (CTV) and two Chartwell Marine designed Chartwell 24 crew transfer vessels with advanced Foil Optimised Stability System (FOSS).


Class-leading offshore energy support vessel (OESV) operator, Seacat Services, has ordered two further Chartwell 24 vessels to complement its growing fleet. This deal closely follows Seacat’s double order for the new BARTech 30 vessels, with the build contract for all four boats awarded to Diverse Marine. It strengthens the collaboration between the four South Coast-based businesses as they continue to bolster a robust local offshore energy supply chain. Delivery of the vessels is scheduled for the spring of 2022 and 2023. 


The BARTech 30 vessels - to be named Seacat Columbia and Seacat Cambria - are focused on creating fuel efficiency through a highly optimised SWATH PROA multi-hull design, working alongside BAR Technologies patented Foil Optimised Stability System (FOSS). These vessels will consequently be among the first true ‘Low Emission Vehicles’ (LEV’s) servicing the offshore wind market with total emissions 30% lower than conventional CTV designs as well as ultimately cutting CO2 emissions by up to 600 tonnes per annum if working on a 12 hour shift of operation.


These latest Chartwell 24 vessels - to be names Seacat Sceptre and Seacat Sovereign - will be the first equipped with a new Foil Optimisation Stability System (FOSS) designed by BAR Technologies. This system will enhance vessel stability, improving comfort for offshore wind technicians, and create substantial operational efficiency gains.


The addition of the FOSS to the Chartwell 24, will help dampen pitch and roll, further enhancing its seakeeping capabilities and manoeuvrability. This will ensure that technicians can be accommodated safely and comfortably for optimal job performance on arrival. Optimising the vessel in this way also contributes to reduced fuel burn and emissions, with efficiency savings of up to 15%.


Ben Colman, Diverse Marine: "We are delighted that Seacat Services have chosen Diverse Marine to build these innovative new vessels - testament to the strong links between these Isle of Wight companies and the quality of the workforce here at Diverse. Our relationship with Seacat and Chartwell goes back many years, whilst we are excited to integrate the new FOSS system into the proven Chartwell 24 design.”


Ian Baylis, Managing Director at Seacat Services said: “The Chartwell 24 platform has already proven itself a versatile solution as we invest in our fleet to meet the demands of our broadening project portfolio. With the FOSS addition, Chartwell and BAR Technologies have helped us to take another step forward, while retaining the familiar vessel qualities that contribute to our proven formula.”


Andy Page, Naval Architect and Managing Director at Chartwell Marine, said: “Vessel design must take the needs of the end user into consideration. With operators now working in a wider variety of sea conditions, the Chartwell 24 range provides the versatility required to best serve the operator, whether that’s through hybrid propulsion variations or, in this case, the inclusion of FOSS technology.” 


John Cooper, CEO at BAR Technologies said: “The offshore wind sector thrives off innovation, and the entrance of FOSS into the CTV industry will continue to reduce costs in the maritime supply chain. Foil technology has been used for decades to reduce drag in high performance yacht racing, and now, we are proudly bringing the technology to the commercial sphere. A FOSS system resembles a dynamic spoiler that sits below the waterline, increasing efficiency, enabling an active roll and trim response to counter the sea state and provide class-leading stability – without compromising on speed.”


This announcement follows the launch of Seacat’s first Chartwell 24, Seacat Weatherly, earlier in the year and the delivery of sister vessel, Seacat Rainbow, in October. Both vessels were built by Diverse Marine and are already at work at UK offshore wind sites.



-Ends-


About Seacat Services


Seacat Services is the class leading wind farm support vessel operator, located in Cowes, UK. With a current fleet of thirteen boats that conform to the highest operational and safety standards, the company operates internationally and works directly with developers, utilities, manufacturers and support services businesses to provide fast and efficient offshore personnel and equipment transfers. 


For more details please visit:

www.seacatservices.co.uk 


About Chartwell Marine:

 

Chartwell Marine is a pioneer in next-generation vessel design. Headed up by Andy Page, 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 about Chartwell Marine, please visit: 

http://www.chartwellmarine.com/


About BAR Technologies:

 

With an impressive heritage, having originally spun out from the former British, America’s Cup Team, BAR Technologies provide a wide range of design and engineering consultancy services with a focus on 4 key sectors; Workboats and Commercial Vessels, Shipping, Special Projects and Leisure Marine and Yachts.


BAR Technologies offer a cohesive team of world lead naval architects and optimisation specialists; fluid dynamists; mechanical, structural and composite engineers; control strategy and system specialists; they offer data and simulation engineers with access to the latest commercial knowledge, using bespoke in-house design tools.


BAR Technologies originally entered this market to challenge themselves to incorporate their broad knowledge of naval architecture, simulation, CFD and patented IP into a superior Crew Transfer Vessel for taking technicians to work on Wind Turbines (amongst other uses). The aim being to improve seakeeping and help make a green energy sector even greener by dramatically reducing fuel requirements.


For more details please visit: 

https://www.bartechnologies.uk/ 


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.
12 June 2024
Seawork, Southampton, UK (12-06-24) Diverse Marine is proud to announce that it has been selected by VARD GROUP AS to construct a Chartwell Daugher Craft to be installed on a VARD 4 19 CSOV under construction for PURUS Wind. The 12m catamaran daughter craft,designed by Chartwell Marine in Southampton features a twin IMOTier-3Volvo Penta IPS propulsion system to reduce emissions and provide good performance when deployed from the CSOV.  Ben Colman, Director of Diverse Marine:“I am very proud of this contract award, something different for our small boats team off the back of small military craft, amphibious CTV, survey vessels and a fast passenger vessel. If there is sufficient demand for daughter craft of this type then we may consider a stock build programme similar to the CTV’s to have craft available without the burden of construction finance and stage payments.”
10 June 2024
Diverse Marine and NR Marine Services and proud to announce the launch of the second of class Storm Class CTV, NR ALPHA that is now proudly being displayed at Seawork 2024 in the Port of Southampton on berth VB21. NR ALPHA is a sister to NR PREDATOR delivered in March this year. NR PREDATOR has performed very well on her first contract with higher performance levels and substantially lower fuel burn and emission levels than other similar vessels on the same project. The Storm Class measures 27.6m LOA by 10m BOA and is fitted with a quad IMO Tier-3 Volvo Penta IPS propulsion system. Its unique hull form features a very fine entry with higher buoyancy reserves above the main chines and resistance reducingsolutions integrated into the underbody. A resilient superstructure ensures very low noise and vibration levels in the passenger saloon with the first recording sub 55dBA at full power. NR ALPHA is the first vessel from the Diverse Marine Finance and Lease Programme announced late last year and the first of three vessels being delivered to the scheme this year. The programme allows Diverse Marine to build offshore wind crew transfer vessels to stock for onward lease or sale. The scheme removes the requirement for clients to source construction finance and Diverse Marine can offer the vessels on lease/hire purchase with 0% deposit, a fully funded solution with payments monthly in arrears. Ben Colman, Director of Diverse Marine:“We are delighted to announce the build of NR ALPHA for NR Marine Services.Theperformance of NR PREDATOR has exceeded everybody’s expectations with exceptionally good performance, fuel efficiency and reliability, a testament to the high quality produced by our team at Cowes”.  Owen Nutt, Director of NR Marine Services: “The addition of NR ALPHA to our fleet so soon after NR PREDATOR is testament to the growth and forward plans set out by our business to add high quality, high performance and efficient vessels to our fleet. Diverse Marine’s Storm Class is the result of the KPI’s we provided to Walker Marine Design and the ship yard. With NR PREDATOR all of these KPI’s were met with the vessel proving to be faster and more efficient that predicted. We are very pleased and excited that we can add NR ALPHA to the fleet and provide our clients with class leading vessels that can save £100,000’s of fuel cost annually without any compromise”.
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