A collaboration built on trust - one vessel at a time

When Rhode Island-based Senesco Marine launched the 29m WindServe Spartan, it marked the sixth crew transfer vessel (CTV) designed and built in cooperation with BMT and Senesco for WindServe Marine. The WindServe Spartan follows on the WindServe Frontier, another 29m CTV which was also delivered in 2024. These vessels join four others already in service: the 20m WindServe Odyssey (2020) and 27m vessels WindServe Genesis, WindServe Journey, and WindServe Explorer (2023 & 2024). BMT provided the class and detailed design packages for all six vessels.

Brian Moeller, Technical Sales Manager for BMT said:

"Senesco has been a tremendous partner for us.Our collaborative relationship has benefited both companies and contributed to the success of these programs.”

The 29m Spartan and Frontier were developed as variants of the 27m design, featuring greater cargo carrying capacity and additional machinery space to make the vessels “hybrid-ready.” This allows for future retrofiting with batteries and electric motors should the owner choose to adopt hybrid technology.

These vessels transport up to 24 technicians between shore, offshore wind turbines, and service operation vessels (SOVs). They are specifically designed to push up against the wind turbines, allowing technicians to safely transfer from vessel to turbine. The WindServe vessels feature BMT’s patented Active Fender System™ (AFS™), which cushions the impact between vessel and wind turbine and helping the boat “stick” to the turbine. This reduces forces on wind turbine landing structures, enhances personnel safety, and enables transfers in sea conditions that would be otherwise be challenging without AFS™ technology.

Ted Williams, president of Senesco Marine, commented:

“The BMT design is second to none. They’ve provided great support from the beginning of the build process to delivery.”

The latest Senesco-built vessels also feature BMT’s innovative Z-bow, a proven hull characteristic that reduces resistance and boosts seakeeping performance. The hullform is complemented by quad Volvo IPS 900s providing highly efficient propulsion across the speed range and over 15 tonnes of bollard thrust, crucial for pushing onto turbine landing tubes during transfers.

With more CTVs in service than any other designer, BMT is a leader in offshore wind vessel design. We continue to support shipyards and vessel operators around the world with design and consultancy services, specializing in offshore energy vessels, passenger vessels, and government and security vessels.