Crew transfer vessel (CTV) operator WINDEA CTV LLC announced it has taken delivery of WINDEA Reliance from St. Johns Ship Building, Palatka, Fla.
The vessel is the last in a series of five new Jones Act-compliant Incat Crowther-designed 98'5"x32'10" CTVs built for WINDEA, including three constructed at St. Johns Ship Building and one each at Gulf Craft, Franklin, La., and Breaux Brothers Enterprises, New Iberia, La.
All five aluminum catamarans will support offshore wind farm development and operations along the U.S. East Coast. WINDEA also operates a 125'x25' CTV that was converted from an offshore supply vessel.
WINDEA Reliance and its sister vessels each feature a large foredeck with a 23-metric-ton knuckle boom crane and container securing lugs. The vessels have a deadweight capability exceeding 50 metric tons.
Accommodations include six crew berths in above-deck staterooms, a large wet room, a stores warehouse, fully equipped bathrooms, and a mess area. Workshop and utility spaces in the hulls are accessible from the cabin.
Propulsion is provided by four Volvo Penta IPS propulsion units driven by Volvo D13 main engines, each producing 690 hp. The vessels are hybrid-ready, with dedicated voids for batteries, reserved cabling space, and battery removal hatches. The propulsion system enables a running speed of 26 knots.
Ship’s service power is supplied by two gensets, each providing 40 kW of electrical power.
The WINDEA Reliance is built under Bureau Veritas class and compliant with USCG CFR 46 Subchapter L regulations. Tankage includes 9,510 gals. fuel oil and 925 gals. fresh water. The boats will each carry a crew of six and 24 technicians.
The WINDEA CTV fleet is owned and operated by MidOcean Wind LLC and Hornblower Wind LLC., with technical and operational support from WINDEA Offshore shareholder Ems Maritime Offshore GmbH.
Bradley Neuberth of MidOcean Marine and WINDEA said, “The team at St. Johns has built another high-quality CTV that will make an immediate impact in offshore energy. These vessels prove what the U.S. shipbuilding industry can deliver. Each one creates jobs in multiple regions — during construction, and for years to come as they operate offshore. These CTVs play a vital role in helping America meet its growing energy demands, and we are thrilled with the work St. Johns did to deliver WINDEA Reliance and her sisters.”
“Delivering the WINDEA Reliance marks the culmination of an important multi-vessel project for St. Johns Ship Building and for America’s offshore wind infrastructure,” said Joe Rella, president of St. Johns Ship Building. “We’re proud to work alongside WINDEA, MidOcean Wind, and Hornblower Wind to strengthen the domestic supply chain and support clean energy from right here in Palatka.”
