Collaboration targets domestic construction of offshore wind vessels for Japan’s growing sector
Chartwell Marine has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Cooperative Association of Japan Shipbuilders (CAJS) to support the development and domestic construction of vessels for Japan’s emerging offshore wind sector.
The agreement brings together Chartwell’s next-generation vessel designs with CAJS, an industry body representing 59 Japanese shipyards, to help accelerate the delivery of locally built offshore wind support vessels.
Initial efforts under the collaboration will focus on Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) and Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) derived from Chartwell Marine’s established design portfolio. These concepts have already been introduced to the Japanese market through a programme supported by The Nippon Foundation and led by CAJS.
Under the MoU, the companies will work together to support Japanese shipowners, operators and shipyards on potential vessel projects and the early stages of design development. CAJS will act as a bridge between domestic stakeholders and Chartwell, facilitating communication and knowledge exchange to support locally built vessels that meet project requirements and local content rules.
Mr. Hiroyuki Nishida, Managing Director of the Cooperative Association of Japan Shipbuilders, said: “As Japan’s offshore wind sector ramps up and demand for locally built support vessels grows, collaboration with experienced international design partners is increasingly important. Chartwell brings extensive experience in the design and delivery of proven CTV and SOV vessels operating in global markets. By working together, we can help support the development of locally constructed vessels and contribute to the long-term growth of the industry.”
Andy Page, Managing Director of Chartwell Marine, said: “We are pleased to formalise our collaboration with CAJS, building on the work we have been doing together since 2023. Their efforts in connecting shipyards and enabling cooperation are helping lay the foundations for a stronger offshore wind vessel supply chain in Japan. We look forward to continuing to work closely with CAJS and Japanese stakeholders as the offshore wind sector scales up.”
The agreement may also extend in the future to support other advanced vessel types, including battery-powered and hybrid high-speed passenger vessels.
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