The world’s first amphibious crew transfer vessel, CRC Walrus, has completed trials before starting work at RWE Renewables UK’s Scroby Sands wind farm, according to a video posted by Commercial Rib Charter of the United Kingdom.
A creative fix
Since several years ago, RWE has struggled with the challenges of constantly shifting sand banks that limit access to its Scroby Sands Wind Farm. RWE’s Aston Goddard challenged Commercial Rib Charter (CRC), a provider of specialised shallow-draft CTV, to come up with a creative fix.
A model partnership between RWE, Commercial Rib Charter, the naval architecture company Chartwell Marine, and the Isle of Wight-based boat builders Diverse Marine led to that answer, the CRC Walrus.
Named in honor of Spitfire-designer R.J. Mitchells’ classic 1930’s Supermarine Walrus amphibious biplane, CRC Walrus is a 12-meter type approved crew transfer vessel with seating for two crew and eight passengers. There is a 750 kg deck cargo capacity and the usual bow transfer system. Service speed is 23 knots with a sprint speed of 29 knots.
The amphibious CTV’s two 300 hp Oxe diesel engines will barely draw 80 cm of current. The outboard engines’ 600 horsepower will boost RWE’s goal of being carbon neutral by using 50% less fuel than traditional inboard engines.
In order to “dock” with the turbine ladder, CRC Walrus converts from being a seagoing vessel to an amphibious one by lowering three hydraulically driven large wheels that are controlled by a single nose wheel. An electric generator powers the hydraulic system.
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Source: E Blue Economy
