Hybrid Chartwell crew transfer vessel completed on Isle of Wight

HST Marine (HST), an offshore vessel operator that supports the offshore wind energy and oil and gas industries worldwide, has taken delivery of HST Ella, designed by naval architect Chartwell Marine.

Tom Nevin, HST chief executive, said: “Modern crew transfer operations in offshore energy increasingly require proven vessels with a powerful presence on the water. At the same time, a future-proof fleet consists of vessels with strong green credentials as the goal of emissions reduction continues to move up the agenda.

“Rapidly maturing hybrid technology means environmental consciousness can sit hand in hand with operational excellence, and in the HST Ella, we have a vessel that delivers both, following a consultative design process with Chartwell Marine, and a high-quality build at Diverse Marine.”

The HST Ella demonstrates transit speeds of 10 knots on electric propulsion and 30 knots on diesel, while during port operations, the vessel’s electric operation mode allowed for quiet and zero emission low speed manoeuvrability.

This is enabled by the vessel’s unique hybrid propulsion system.

The 26m vessel is able to carry 24 industrial personnel alongside a maximum payload of 15 tonnes, ensuring maximum versatility when supporting offshore wind operations.

Following its launch, the HST Ella will depart to begin its maiden contract at the East Anglia 1 (EA1) wind farm.

The formal handover of the vessel to HST, at Diverse Marine, celebrates the ingenuity of the British shipbuilding sector, and the enviable concentration of this expertise on England’s South coast and the Isle of Wight.

Ben Colman, director at Diverse Marine, said: “The UK is rightly proud of its world leading maritime industry, and with this market first hybrid CTV, designed and built on the South Coast, we are proud to add to a long record of maritime innovation in this country."