BMT has been awarded a design contract for three new crew transfer vessels (CTVs) to be operated at East Coast wind farms in the USA. The 88-foot CTV design features a lightweight Z-bow hull form to improve seakeeping characteristics.The vessel utilises an Active Fender System (AFS), designed and customised by BMT, to facilitate both monopile and conventional landing tube transfers. Fitted to the bow of the vessel, the AFS operates as a suspension system, which reduces impact loads and dampens the initial engagements with the turbine tower. The layout offers space for 24 technicians. Below decks, there are cabins able to accommodate six crew members. The vessel will also be utilised to carry and deliver cargo, with a large foredeck area to accommodate high volumes of goods. The three vessels will be built by Senesco in North Kingstown, R.I., USA, under the ABS classification and meet U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter L regulations.
