Tidal Transit, supplier of purpose-design crew transfer vessels (CTVs) for the offshore wind industry, has expanded its fleet after securing the first charter for its newest vessel, Arabella Jane. The Windflex 27 CTV with Quad Volvo Penta IPS started work supporting operations at Ørsted’s Hornsea 2, the world’s largest offshore wind farm.
To meet the growing market demand for crew transport while the offshore wind industry transitions to net zero, Tidal Transit has ordered two further vessels specially designed to act as frontrunners for its all-electric future builds.
Fitted with quad Volvo Penta IPS 30 propulsion (the same as is used in Tidal Transit’s eGinny 100% electric retrofit project), for its fuel efficiency and readiness for battery-powered propulsion, the new 24-passenger, Incat Crowther UK-designed WindFlex-27 model, built by Penguin Shipyard was specifically chosen to strengthen immediate supply ahead of the delivery of new electric crew transfer vessels in 2026.
Leo Hambro, commercial director at Tidal Transit, commented: “Having previously serviced weather masts in the area over a decade ago with our 20m Mercurio fleet, we’ve come full circle and are delighted to be back at Hornsea, now home to the world’s largest offshore wind farm. This charter-before-arrival agreement with Ørsted has given us strong encouragement and underscores the industry’s confidence in our reliability and reputation for delivering top-tier, energy efficient and low-risk logistics solutions.”
“Offshore wind requires high-specification crew transport to support its rapid expansion and journey towards decarbonisation. We’re keeping the electric dream alive by providing the industry with fuel efficient, retrofittable frontrunner CTVs right now, while at the same time committing to the delivery of zero-carbon, battery-powered vessels in the near future.”
