Leading the way in the workboat evolution

Our conversion of former Rescue (SAR) vessels into two of the first German flagged Crew Transfer Vessels (CTV’s) has been a key part of the workboat evolution of the last decade. Six new-build vessels have been put into service so far and are being employed in various projects in the North and Baltic Sea.

Our experience ranges from monohulls to catamarans to SWATH hulls. We have worked with crafts made of steel, aluminum, and fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). Whether the craft is propelled by fixed pitch propellers, waterjets, or an Integrated Propulsion System (IPS) – we have done it all. Thanks to our innovation and experience, we are able to provide you with vessels that are tailored to your exact needs.

On the front lines of the global market

We partner with industry-leading designers, to trial HVO fuels, and specified E-hybrid CTVs. Hydrogen options are also currently being developed. This expertise is shared with our customers to support sale and purchase activities all around the globe.

We desire to advance our customers to the front lines of the global market. To do so we diligently monitor and remain on top of the global market. Benchmarking the global prices of the latest shipyard designs is a primary way we do this. Our vessels are German flagged, BV classed, STCW-crewed, and comply with the standards of the German BG Verkehr.

Building and managing your perfect vessels

Our CTVs are not “one-size-fits-all.” We have a clear idea of what a 3rd-generation Crew Transfer Vessel should look like, but we’ll listen carefully to each customer’s individual needs. We aim to build the perfect vessel for you based on the geography, weather, local legislation, and operational setup of the vessel. In the end, you are free to decide if you want to own the boat yourself. If so, we will gladly manage it for you.

Besides chartering our vessels for clients, we’ve managed countless charters of vessels owned by third parties. Our integrated management system has been developed over a decade of overseeing challenging offshore operations. This system contains a set of procedures and risk assessments for the transfer of personnel as well as:

1. fuel transfer
2. ship-to-ship transfer
3. heavy cargo operations (including gensets and blade repair tools)
4. subsea and survey operations

Our vessel management services are ISO certified and comply with the requirements of the ISM/ISPS code and the Maritime Labour Convention. 

In control of safeguarding your wind farms

Safeguarding offshore wind farms has been a top priority for us since we first began coordinating construction projects in 2012.

In April 2014, the German Government introduced guidelines for monitoring offshore wind farms. This prompted the creation of VENTUSmarine, our compliant solution for safe and cost-efficient Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of offshore wind farms.

At our onshore control room in Emden, nautical officers monitor the traffic around offshore wind farms. This is done with the use of AIS and remotely operated marine VHFs. Dedicated marine coordinators take care of multiple wind farms at the same time with this service. The German Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) highly appreciates our activities, as it provides one interface for a complete cluster with multiple operators. With VENTUSmarine, navigation safety is assured allowing operation engineers to focus on their primary duties.

Custom service packages

Marine traffic monitoring is at the foundation of our services. We can build on this foundation through further service packages, making it possible for us to meet even more marine coordination requirements. These service packages can include:

1. Project internal communication management (TETRA dispatcher)
2. CTV planning
3. Permit to work Management (including software setup)
4. People- and Vessel-tracking and certification checks (including own database)
5. Internal and external reporting
6. Moderation and protocols of internal calls
7. Arranging of CMID vessel inspections

Many of the services can be booked on a pay-per-use basis (e.g. vessel certification checks).

Preparing for the future of marine surveillance

Modern technology is creating opportunities for greater independence on the seas. Drones, autonomous ships, and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) allow for autonomy in the air, underwater, and above water operations. In addition to this, an increasing number of German wind farms are no longer no-go zones for small fishing vessels and pleasure crafts and have to let them in.

These factors will make the monitoring of offshore operations increasingly more complex in years to come. By working with our partners, and supporting several research and development projects related to autonomy and the Internet of Things (IoT), we are preparing for these challenges.

Lending support to all aspects of offshore construction

The support systems and structures beyond the actual wind turbines of an offshore wind farm are collectively referred to as the Balance of Plant (BoP).

This includes:

1. Turbine Foundations & Scour Protection Systems
2. Inner Array Cables & Export Cables
3. Offshore and/or Onshore Substations

The scope of inspection varies from country to country. They consist of structural inspections above and below water (GVI/CVI, NDT, bolt tension); statutory inspections and maintenance of life-saving appliances, fire-fighting equipment, lifting equipment, and electrical installations. Maintenance is carried out condition-based or planned based on the manufacturer‘s manuals. These services are performed by teams of multi-disciplined and certified technicians at the offshore wind farm.

Such a complex and site-specific logistics setup requires tailored planning. With our intercompany experience across CTV, SOV, and helicopters we will always find the most efficient transportation solution. This extends as well to Operation and Maintenance (O&M) base setup, agency services, and coordination services.