Flexible, multi-purpose fleets will be key to weathering future market fluctuations
Auction Round 7 (AR7) has provided a boost and renewed confidence for the UK’s offshore wind industry, accelerating the broader trend of projects becoming larger, more complex, and located further offshore in deeper waters
According to Chartwell Marine, a developer of next-generation vessel designs, this shift will require transforming the offshore wind support fleet to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, on time, and within budget. As AR7 and AR8 projects are expected to be staggered, operators must prepare for periods of fluctuating demand, making fleet versatility an operational and commercial priority.
Andy Page, managing director of Chartwell Marine, said, “AR7 is a major step forward for the offshore wind sector, restoring confidence and unlocking a new wave of vessel activity and investment. However, based on past experience, market fluctuations are inevitable. It will therefore be essential for the industry to take a smart, flexible approach and develop fleets capable of supporting a wide range of commercial activities until AR7 and AR8 projects ramp up.”
To meet these challenges, the offshore wind support fleet will need to be reconfigured. A combination of next-generation Service Operation Vessels (SOVs), Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs), and Daughter Crafts (DCs) will be required to effectively support the construction of “mega projects.”
Survey and windfarm life extension projects will also be critical to weather fluctuations in demand from the offshore wind sector, ensuring existing vessels can be “re-energised” and redeployed for other essential activities, such as decommissioning.
To develop more effective, versatile and resilient offshore wind fleets, Chartwell Marine believes the industry must take the following steps:
- Adopt next-generation vessel designs: Innovative designs can improve operational efficiency, flexibility, and safety in deep-water environments. These designs can also be built by UK shipyards, helping meet local content requirements and strengthening regional supply chains.
- Invest in supply chains: Expanding shipbuilding capacity, scaling stock-build programmes, forming industry partnerships, and investing in workforce skills will be essential to delivering the next generation of vessels.
- Smarter use of existing boats: Ensuring current vessels can serve multiple roles will help operators manage demand cycles and maintain financial resilience. This may include “re-energising” existing tonnage through retrofits that enhance sustainability and operational performance.
Page said, “Incorporating new vessels is only part of the solution to meeting the challenges facing the offshore wind support fleet. The industry also needs to maximise the value of the existing fleet to remain competitive and resilient through future market cycles. At Chartwell, we are committed to delivering proven, next-generation designs and building stronger industry partnerships that facilitate the transformation and diversification of the fleet.”
