First U.S.-built Chartwell 24 CTV goes to work

The offshore wind crew transfer vessel (CTV) Atlantic Endeavor, owned and operated by Quonset Point, R.I., based Atlantic Wind Transfers (AWT) has recently been delivered to support Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) pilot wind farm.

Built by Blount Boats, Warren, R.I., the vessel was designed by Southampton, U.K., based Chartwell Marine, which oversaw the vessel’s construction, despite COVID-19 travel restrictions, using data-driven analytics to foster an open and collaborative process with the owner and the shipyard.

Chartwell says that the versatile Chartwell 24 design chosen by AWT can keep pace as project requirements change.

AWT also opted to equip the vessel with advanced surveying equipment to prepare for future operations in the region, supporting wind farm owners and operators, such as Dominion Energy, as additional generation capacity comes online.

“Even with the pandemic, international collaboration to build out an innovative U.S. CTV fleet has continued,” said Andy Page, Managing Director of Chartwell Marine. “We’ve been proud to continue working remotely with Blount to deliver a vessel to AWT’s specifications, a testament to the yard’s adaptability. As U.S. offshore wind continues to grow, it will be crucial to ensure a strong blueprint for a sustainable future is laid using reliable, trusted vessel designs.”

“This is our second CTV entering into service and Chartwell Marine has been a responsive partner throughout the design and build process, adapting its proven vessel formula to ensure we continue to provide the highest levels of service for our current and future clients,” said Charles Donadio, CEO of Atlantic Wind Transfers. “The Chartwell 24 has set the benchmark for effective vessel performance in the U.S., and we look forward to continue working with Chartwell on improvements to future designs as the U.S. East Coast offshore wind farms build out.”

“Safety and reliability are top priorities for Dominion Energy, and AWT has a proven track record in the U.S. of delivering on these priorities,” said Joshua Bennett, Vice President of Offshore Wind, Dominion Energy. “As the owner and operator of the first offshore wind farm in U.S. federal waters, we take our responsibility to meet and exceed established global standards in crew transfer operations very seriously.”

James Saunders, Offshore Operations Manager, Siemens Gamesa, added, “Maturing the offshore wind industry’s logistics solutions is a key part of making offshore wind in the U.S. a success. We look forward to working with AWT and Dominion Energy to help realize the industry’s goals.”

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