NR Marine Services has selected UK-based shipbuilder Chartwell Marine to design a next-generation crew transfer vessel (CTV) specifically tailored to support aging offshore wind turbines.
The new vessel, named Defiant, is a 20-meter CTV compliant with the IMO Tier 3 emissions standard. It will feature advanced navigation systems, modern interior furnishings, a step-free foredeck, and sheltered superstructure—features typically found on larger CTVs.
Despite its smaller footprint, Defiant is built for maximum fuel efficiency, onboard comfort, and operational flexibility. It can be configured with waterjet propulsion for shallow waters, hybrid propulsion options (depending on budget), and modular layouts for various rack and seating configurations.
“Our internal fleet review and market research revealed strong potential for replacing aging tonnage—10 to 15 years old—especially for nearshore projects where a new CTV investment is justified,” said Richard Thurlow of NR Marine Services.
“Defiant offers a clean, spacious, and modern working environment on a compact, high-performance platform, well-suited for smaller ports, short transits, and shallow-water operations,” added Ben Colman of Diverse Marine.
