Naval architect and designer BMT has shared its plans for a new hybrid diesel-electric, methanol-ready service operation vessel (SOV), developed to support offshore wind farm operations while minimising overall environmental impact. Measuring 48m in overall length x 22m in moulded breadth, and featuring a 5.5m draught, the proposed vessel looks set to plug the size gap between traditional crew transfer vessels (CTVs) and larger, more expensive SOVs.
The design incorporates a SWATH hullform, optimised for reduced noise and vibrations, and a 30m-long motion-compensated, telescopic gangway. The vessel is arranged for 40 turbine technician passengers and 16 crew members, and onboard facilities will include single-person cabins, a gym and sauna, lounges and “entertainment hubs”, BMT reveals, adding that it has devised “an ergonomic layout for safe and seamless workflow”. Other features will include an adaptable drone bay and a control room for drone operations, with the capability to handle uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) up to 5m in length, providing scope for on-site inspections and surveys. The design also includes a bay for an 8.5m daughter craft.
The SOV will be fitted with a pair of 1,100kW azimuthing podded propulsion units and four 22kW bow thrusters, and will carry five generators: four rated 840bkW and the fifth 420bkW. Service speed is estimated at 10knots, increasing to 12knots max. The vessel will also be DP2-rated, with Bureau Veritas handling classification duties. Further technical details will be made available in the coming weeks, and BMT tells Ship & Boat International that it is currently in advanced discussions with shipyards.
Alex Blake, senior naval architect at BMT, comments: “Drawing on our extensive experience and understanding of market needs, this vessel is not just a response to current demands but a proactive step into the future of offshore operations, setting new standards in efficiency and environmental responsibility.”
