Offshore wind service provider CWind, part of Global Marine Group, has entered into a long-term contract with windfarm operator Ørsted for the charter of the world’s first hybrid-powered surface effect ship (SES).
The ship, to be delivered by mid-2020, will be deployed for opertions at Ørsted’s Borssele 1 and 2 offshore wind farms.
The contract covers an initial three-year firm charter with options available for a further two years.
CWind said the development of the hybrid SES for use as a crew transfer vessel is in response to an industry-wide push to develop and deploy innovative technologies that reduce CO2 emissions, whilst cost effectively servicing windfarms located further offshore.
“We are delighted to announce the agreement with Ørsted, and look forward to delivering the world’s first Hybrid SES for them in 2020. Our development of the vessel has been driven by listening to the market and our customers who want a greener, safer and more efficient crew transfer vessel to support their commercial and green objectives,” said Ian Bryan, managing director of group business operations at CWind.
