SEA TRIALS OF ‘WALRUS’ AMPHIBIOUS CTV

The world’s first amphibious crew transfer vessel has been commissioned for six years at RWE’s Scroby Sands wind farm off the east coast of southern England.

Designed by Commercial Rib Charter, which is contracted by RWE, and naval architects Chartwell Marine, the vessel was built by Diverse Marine on the Isle of Wight.

An amphibious vessel was needed because four of the Scroby Sands wind turbines are now marooned on a sandbank that has risen in recent years.

CRC Walrus is the- world’s first purpose-built amphibious CTV and has been named CRC Walrus in a nod to R J Mitchell’s Supermarine Walrus, the amphibious biplane manufactured at Woolston, Southampton, in the 1930s.

The 12m vessel can take two crew and eight passengers, there is 750kg deck cargo capacity and service speed is 23 knots with a sprint speed of 29. She is powered by two OXE Marine 300HP outboard engines supplied by Proteum in another first, Diverse Marine says.

“The 600HP of motive power generated by the outboards will reduce fuel consumption by 50% over conventional inboard engines, thus further supporting RWE’s carbon-neutral target,” says Diverse.

The vessel transitions from sea to land with three hydraulically operated over-sized wheels steered by a single nose wheel that allows her to ‘dock’ with the turbine ladder. This hydraulic system is powered by a generator.

“It is great to be building this vessel for Scroby Sands as we worked with the team there to build their last bespoke CTV Eastern Aura, now owned by CRC and named CRC Vulcan.” said Diverse Marine managing director Ben Colman. “Diverse Marine has a passion for developing new technology that can be implemented in different market sectors and has a solid, proven track record of successfully delivering these projects in conjunction with many clients and supply chains. This 13m amphibious CTV is in good company and one we are super keen and grateful to be involved with. The team will take a very active role in configuring the vessel for its role at Scroby Sands.”

Dlm Appoints New Technical Director

Chris Sutton has been appointed technical director of Dynamic Load Monitoring, the specialists in design, manufacture and calibration of load cells, load monitoring and cable working equipment.

Sutton has been promoted from technical manager, and is also managing director of DLM’s sister company, Vulcan Offshore, which fabricates, welds and carries out computer numerical control machining for the marine and subsea industries.

“I will bring additional technical knowledge and experience gained from working on engineering projects for cable and pipe laying vessels over the last 10 years.,” said Scrutton. “The goal is to allow us to grow DLM more efficiently, while maintaining existing levels of customer service and support.”

“Chris has earned it, through the dedication and commitment he has provided to myself and DLM over the past 10 years,” said DLM managing director Martin Halford. “He knows the company inside out, from starting as a calibration technician then progressing to engineering, to management, and now director, gaining engineering and project management qualifications along the way. With the expansion of the company, we needed to reorganise the structure to help us continue with our plans and prepare for the next stage of growth.

Gothenburg Port Ceo Moves To Wallenius Sol

Gothenburg Port Authority

CEO Elvir Dzanic has formally submitted his resignation, with a view to stepping down in August.

Dzanic, who has been in post at Gothenburg since June 2019, will move to shipping giant Wallenius

Sol, where he will take over the reins as CEO.

“I have had exceptionally good years at the Gothenburg Port Authority,” said Dzanic. “We have fine-tuned our direction, positioned ourselves in the

European market, established a green and digitized business model that creates value for our customers, succeeded in generating growth throughout and expanded the port through land acquisition.”