Finnish shipbuilder Uudenkaupungin Työvene OY has successfully delivered the MCS SWATH 3, a state-of-the-art Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) built on Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) technology, to Maritime Craft Services (Clyde) Ltd.
The new vessel marks a significant advancement in offshore crew transport, offering enhanced safety, efficiency, and passenger comfort even in challenging sea conditions. MCS SWATH 3 is the first in a series of three units currently under construction, underscoring a long-term partnership between the shipyard and Maritime Craft Services.
Engineered for the demanding requirements of offshore wind, the Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) minimizes motion in rough seas, offering industry-leading stability, ride comfort, and safe transfers to offshore installations in much higher waves than conventional CTVs . By dramatically reducing vertical acceleration, the vessel ensures that technicians and crew arrive on-site rested, secure, and ready to work – regardless of weather conditions.
The design is a result of a close cooperation with the shipyards design partner Ad Hoc Marine Designs, based on the experiences gained by MCS in operating two similar designs. With feedback from crews operating these units for years helped optimising the design for better workflow, easier maintenance, and thus more economic operability of the new SWATHs.
“Delivering this vessel is a proud moment for our team,” said Juha Granqvist, CEO at Työvene. “Together with the MCS site team we are setting a new benchmark for offshore crew transfers. Our focus has always been on safety, efficiency, and reliability, and this vessel delivers all three.”
Key features of the new SWATH CTV include:
- Exceptional Stability: SWATH design reduces sensitivity to waves, ensuring smoother transits and safer transfers.
- Futureproof Propulsion: Installation of a Power Take In (PTI) on each drivetrain allowing for hybrid operation.
- Enhanced Safety: Advanced navigation, redundancy systems, and optimized boarding arrangements maximize operational security.
- Operational Efficiency: Capable of maintaining high service availability, reducing downtime for offshore installations.
- Crew Comfort: Improved seakeeping and noise-reduction measures for a more comfortable offshore experience.
- The vessel will be deployed in the North Sea offshore wind sector, where it will support ongoing efforts to expand renewable energy infrastructure.
“With offshore wind farms moving into deeper waters and harsher environments, the industry needs vessels that can perform reliably under all conditions,” said Juha Granqvist. “This SWATH CTV is purpose-built for that future.”
Menno Kuyt, Managing Director of MCS, added: “A SWATH does not follow the contours of the waves up to 2.25m Hs and keeps its speed in these conditions.”
Työvene continues to push the boundaries of maritime innovation, supporting the global transition toward clean energy with vessels that deliver maximum uptime, safety, and sustainability. Not only in offshore wind but also in other industries when it comes to comfortable sailing and/or safe operations at sea such as transfers of personnel, equipment survey and drone operations.
