Suspension-enabled CTV will provide technicians with a comfortable ride

The company’s 20-m suspension enabled CTV is aimed primarily at offshore windfarms in Europe, Asia and the US.

The 20-m aluminium-hull CTV combines suspension technology developed by Nauti-Craft of Dunsborough, Australia and an inhouse catamaran hull. Propulsion is via a twin waterjet propulsion, and a variety of diesel, hybrid or electric motors.

ST Engineering marine senior vice president marketing and business development Michael Bell said, “This exciting new development further cements ST Engineering’s commitment to the renewables segment, and a continued focus on a smaller carbon footprint, lower operational expense and sustainable shipping.”

The company believes suspension technology will provide windfarm technicians with what it describes as “optimal ride comfort” and transfer from the vessel at a greater significant wave height than a conventional vessel.

“This enables a smaller CTV to operate through a wider weather window than a traditional larger CTV, translating to a much lower operational cost and smaller carbon footprint, while being compliant to windfarm requirements in Europe, Asia and in the US,” the company said.

The patented suspension technology from Nauti-Craft is a hydraulic suspension system for multihull vessels. The system separates the hulls from the superstructure which allows the hulls to react independently to wave inputs without transmitting its high forces and accelerations into the deck and superstructure.

“This innovation brings ride comfort, control and stability, whether stationary or travelling at speed, to new levels,” Mr Bell said. “The improvements to stability and maintenance of a level attitude can be further enhanced with active control of the suspension system.”

Utilising an innovative catamaran hullform, ST Engineering integrated the suspension technology into the 20-m design. It believes that the size of the design and propulsion options will result in lower fuel consumption compared to a larger CTV of similar performance. The CTV can be configured to transport either 12 or 24 people.

“This CTV is an expansion of our capabilities, which include the recent launch of the SOV and high-speed HS-SOV,” said Mr Bell.

“Focusing on optimising safety, comfort, operational cost, efficiencies and carbon footprint reduction towards green and sustainable shipping, this differentiates us as a strong player in this expanding market. Further development of this vessel includes the hybrid diesel-electric and electric variants, which can be tailored to suit our customers’ requirements.”