HST Marine takes delivery of first hybrid Chartwell 24

HST Marine (HST), an innovative offshore vessel operator that supports the offshore wind energy and oil & gas industries worldwide, has taken delivery of HST Ella, a new hybrid crew transfer vessel (CTV) designed by pioneering naval architect Chartwell Marine. HST Ella is the first hybrid Chartwell 24 vessel to hit the water, following her completion at local Isle of Wight shipyard Diverse Marine.

Tom Nevin, chief executive officer, HST, commented: “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 that 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 exhibits performance characteristics of a market leading standard, demonstrating 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. An electric motor sits alongside a diesel engine to drive a high-performance changeable pitch propeller (CPP) system, ensuring superior manoeuvrability and operational flexibility. The system is coupled with the vessel’s advanced hull form for reduced frictional resistance, and its use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO30) as fuel – a market first for a new build CTV.

Advanced CTVs such as the HST Ella are increasingly expected to perform a range of auxiliary duties alongside personnel transport. The 26-metre vessel is able to carry 24 industrial personnel alongside a maximum payload of 15 tonnes, ensuring maximum versatility when supporting offshore wind operations.

For more information visit www.hst-marine.com

13th September 2021