Derecktor Shipyards, a US builder of custom and high-performance vessels, has delivered CREST’s DC1, a high-performance offshore daughter craft designed in partnership with Chartwell Marine and powered by Volvo Penta propulsion.
Constructed at Derecktor’s New York facility, the 12-meter (40-foot) catamaran serves as a next-generation platform for offshore energy, research, and a range of commercial operations throughout the U.S. maritime sector
Delivered under contract to CREST, the U.S.-built DC1 daughter craft will support crews operating aboard a service operation vessel (SOV). From this, Derecktor and Chartwell Marine are establishing a scalable model for American-built vessels serving a wide range of offshore and coastal missions.
DC1 is engineered for reliability, safety, and endurance in challenging conditions. Designed by Chartwell Marine, a trusted UK pioneer of next-generation vessel design, the catamaran hull delivers stability, while twin Volvo Penta IPS D6-500 systems provide precise maneuverability, speed, and fuel efficiency. The result is a platform that combines intelligent design with American craftsmanship, purpose-built to support transfers between larger assets and offshore structures, platforms, or work sites.
“This vessel represents the best of what happens when world-class design meets proven U.S. shipbuilding,” said Erik Derecktor, Commercial Manager, Derecktor Shipyards. “The collaboration among CREST, Derecktor, Chartwell, and Volvo Penta has created a durable, efficient crew boat that sets a new standard for versatility and performance across the offshore energy and commercial markets.”
Accommodating two crew and eight passengers, DC1 is fully certified by the U.S. Coast Guard under Subchapter T. Its layout and systems are optimized to support technicians and crews working on inspection, maintenance, and operational tasks — whether alongside offshore energy infrastructure, research platforms, or other commercial vessels.
“This vessel is critical for CREST’s safe and efficient offshore operations,” said Andy Page, Managing Director of Chartwell Marine. “Designed to maintain station alongside SOVs and offshore structures in challenging conditions, this vessel combines stability, manoeuvrability, and practical functionality. By partnering with Derecktor Shipyards, we’ve translated our performance-led designs into a repeatable, high-quality U.S. build model that can scale with market demand.”
Building on decades of Subchapter T vessel experience, Derecktor and Chartwell are leveraging DC1 as the foundation for a semi-custom production line. The platform can be adapted for a range of missions — including offshore energy support, research, patrol, and fast-response commercial workboats — balancing tailored configurations with the efficiencies of series production.
DC1 stands as a testament to what’s possible when design innovation, engineering excellence, and American shipbuilding heritage converge to strengthen the U.S. commercial maritime industrial base.
CREST’s DC1 Daughter Craft Specifications
- Length Overall: 12 m (40ft)
- Beam: 4.2 m (13.7 ft)
- Draft: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
- Accommodations: 2 crew, 8 passengers
- Propulsion: Twin Volvo Penta IPS D6-500
- Certification: USCG Subchapter T
