Tidal Transit, supplier of purpose-design crew transfer vessels for the offshore wind industry, has purchased what it intends to be its final diesel-powered crew transfer vessel (CTV) from Singapore-based Penguin International Ltd in line with its transition to full electric offshore crew transit vessels.
The Incat Crowther UK designed WindFlex-27 model, to be named Arabella Jane, will be the first 24-passenger vessel to enter Tidal Transit’s fleet and was specifically chosen for its ‘retrofit-ability’ to run on 100% electric power in the near future. Arabella Jane will be the frontrunner for future electric builds, and will be fitted with a Volvo Penta IPS for its readiness for battery-powered propulsion and fuel efficiency in conventional mode.
The addition of Arabella Jane to the fleet marks a landmark shift for Tidal Transit as it is intended to be its last purchase of a diesel-powered CTV, as part of the company’s mission to electrify crew transfer and decarbonise the offshore wind industry. Earlier this year, Tidal Transit announced its work on the world’s first electric crew transfer vessel (E-CTV) retrofit with offshore charging project, e-Ginny, in partnership with Norfolk-based Goodchild Marine Services and using the same Volvo Penta propulsion system. This latest vessel also will be able to be retrofitted to run on 100% electric power following e-Ginny trials as the industry moves to decarbonise logistics solutions.
Leo Hambro, commercial director of Tidal Transit, commented: “Penguin’s marine, shipbuilding and technical expertise are very impressive and the team has a strong pedigree delivering high-spec, top quality CTVs. We’re thrilled to be working with Penguin on this new project and we can’t wait to see Arabella Jane on the water and servicing the offshore wind sector.”
George Phillip, General Manager at Penguin, commented: “We’re proud to have Tidal Transit as an owner of a WindFlex. The fuel efficient IPS propulsion is a step in the right direction as Tidal Transit decarbonises its fleet. As co-believers in the same zero-emission vision, we look forward to working with them on that journey.”
Chris Hartnoll, CEO and Managing Director at HICO Investment Group, which recently invested in Tidal Transit, added: “We are very excited to welcome Arabella Jane to the fleet. Arriving as part of Tidal Transit’s expansion programme, the retrofittable design by Penguin marks her the next major milestone in the team’s long-term electrification strategy, and we look forward to seeing her on the water soon.”