American Offshore Services is happy to announce that they have taken delivery of their first crew transfer vessel (CTV) – the G-Class vessel M/V Gripper. The vessel has been constructed at Blount Boats, in Warren, RI, and are now on contract, after a ceremony on Friday, March 15th.
Gripper is a 30-meter, Jones Act-compliant aluminium catamaran built to support the growing offshore wind industry on the east coast. The G-Class vessels have a future proofed automation system, and a flexible engine configuration, making it ready to meet the upcoming needs in the fast changing renewable energy sector.
“We are very grateful for the delivery of A-O-S’s first G-Class vessel, M/V Gripper, and the hardworking colleagues and partners making it possible. Gripper is designed to meet the needs of the future, with hybrid-ready, flexible systems, and we are very proud to play our role in the construction and maintenance of the offshore wind farms, both here in Rhode Island and throughout the East Coast. Thank you to all involved for making the ceremony and launch such a success”, says A-O-S Managing Director, Michael Burbelo.
The G-Class vessels are a A-O-S in-house design, with focus on comfort for the technicians being transported, as well as for crew working onboard. The vessel is prepared to meet the future needs in the fast-developing offshore wind industry, and with its high-technology features, the G-Class vessels makes it possible to stay offshore for 24-hour operations. During operations, Gripper offers great seakeeping and 180 degrees visibility.
A-O-S is a partnership between Swedish CTV operator Northern Offshore Group (N-O-G) and U.S.- based investment firm OIC. N-O-G has over 16 years of experience within the offshore wind industry in the European waters, and are now the world leading CTV operator, with over 60 vessels in the company group.
“At N-O-G we always strive to be the best at what we do, every day. We are very proud of A-O-S and the partnerships we have created throughout Rhode Island and the fast-growing offshore wind market. With CTVs like Gripper and our dedicated crew, we are honoured to provide A-O-S designed, highly specialized vessels together with our experienced, trained crew colleagues, to the Rhode Island offshore wind market,” said David Kristensson, Group CEO of A-O-S parent company Northern Offshore Group. “As America’s offshore wind industry evolves, we look forward to be a frontrunner in innovation and sustainability.”
 – the G-Class vessel M/V Gripper. The vessel has been constructed at Blount Boats, in Warren, RI, and are now on contract, after a ceremony on Friday, March 15th.){kind=link}