CWind Pioneer includes twin hulls, an air cushion, and a diesel and electric drivetrain, along with on-board battery storage. Credit: Saku Pönkänen on Unsplash.

Bureau Veritas (BV) has classified Global Marine Group unit CWind’s hybrid-powered surface effect ship (SES), CWind Pioneer, said to be the first of its kind in the world.

The vessel includes twin hulls, an air cushion, and a diesel and electric drivetrain, along with on-board battery storage.

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It can accommodate 24 crew members and sail at a speed of more than 43 knots.

According to the company, the ship has the ability to carry personnel even during risky weather conditions with wave heights of up to 2m, allowing greater operational windows.

It features an air cushion motion control system for providing enhanced on-board settings as well as increased operational days offshore.

Due to the hybrid diesel and battery electric power system, the vessel can sail on battery power alongside or at low speeds.

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As a result, the ship consumes less fuel, which reduces diesel engine running hours and carbon emissions.

The Electric Hybrid technology also minimises engine wear and maintenance expenses.

In addition, the ship generates less noise and vibration impact.

The vessel is being utilised at the Borssele 1 and 2 offshore wind farms in the Netherlands.

BV has been working on this project, along with Norway-based naval architecture firm ESNA, Global Marine Group’s in-house Engineering Department, and Wight Shipyard, from its early design stages.

In a statement, CWind said: “In order to ensure that CWind Pioneer can take full advantage of the Electric Hybrid technology in a safe manner, Bureau Veritas has assigned the notation Electric Hybrid (PM, ZE).

“This notation provides a comprehensive framework for the safe implementation of this technology while achieving the client’s objectives of working at zero-emission mode, at port or at standby in the offshore wind farm, as well as enhancing speed performance in boost mode to reduce transfer time between shore and the offshore wind farms.”

In June, BV, Barry Rogliano Salles and Deltamarin joined forces to supply ship performance and energy transition solutions to shipowners across the globe.