Innovative crew transfer vessel with suspension system

Rendering of the prototype WB-18 Wind (Source: Wallaby Boats GmbH)

The newly founded German shipbuilding company Wallaby Boats GmbH (WB) says it wants to build the world's first crew transfer vessel/daughter craft (CTV/DC) with a suspension system.

Owned by WB and operated by Offcon GmbH – both companies are based in Kappeln, Schleswig-Holstein -  the 18m-long prototype WB-18 Wind is to be used as a CTV in the offshore wind industry. A charter agreement was concluded with the energy supplier EnBW, who intends to use the newbuilding in its offshore wind farms EnBW Baltic 1 and Baltic 2.

The boat is based on a catamaran design. Its suspension system, which was developed by Western Australian Nauti-Craft Pty Ltd, is placed between the hulls and the chassis. It allows for a safe and more comfortable transfer of personnel, even in harsh weather conditions.

A modular cabin can be installed on deck, providing capacity for 18 technicians. A further five people can be accommodated in the cockpit area.

Propulsion and power generation is placed within the hulls. Hydraulic unit, batteries and accumulators are located in the crawlspace of the chassis with easy access for repairs and maintenance from the multi-functional working deck, WB said in a statement. For daily inspections all components are reached from the cockpit area. This arrangement allows for maximum use of the deck for cargo, passengers, tools/equipment and landing areas for automatic crew lifts. Additional safety during winter operations is provided by heated walkways and handrails. The vessel is equipped with a fully integrated bridge system.

WB has an exclusive license agreement with Nauti-Craft and initially intends to design and build boats from 14m (DC) to 20m (CTV). Following the prototype WB-18, the builder now wants to construct a WB-14/15 as a DC that can be deployed on service operation vessels.

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