Pioneering Biomethanol-Powered Vessel Sets Sail in Offshore Wind Operations

Image Credits: NYK

Northern Offshore Services (N-O-S) has just made waves by launching the first-ever crew transfer vessel (CTV) that runs solely on biomethanol.

Dubbed “Transporter,” this vessel started its life as a compact A-class CTV but has undergone notable upgrades to operate with a methanol engine. N-O-S is committed to using only biomethanol, a clean and renewable fuel derived from sustainable biomass sources.

As part of the Northern offshore Group (NOG), which falls under the NYK Group umbrella, N-O-S plays a vital role in supporting the global offshore wind industry with its fleet of crew transfer vessels.

This innovative conversion was entirely conceived and executed by N-O-S, showcasing their dedication to reducing emissions and promoting cleaner energy solutions within the offshore wind sector.

Now officially in operation,this CTV stands out as the world’s first powered exclusively by single-fuel biomethanol.

The Transporter boasts room for 24 passengers, measures 25.35 meters in length with a beam of 7.6 meters, and features generous deck space—70 square meters at the front and 30 square meters at the back—providing both comfort and versatility for offshore operations.David Kristensson, CEO of Northern Offshore Group, expressed that this launch not only enhances their fleet’s sustainability but also sets an exciting benchmark for maritime practices moving forward.

He emphasized that biomethanol represents a viable choice to customary fuels, positioning them as leaders in marine environmental innovation.

In essence,this advancement reflects an important shift towards greener technologies in maritime transport—a trend we can expect to see more of across various industries globally.