Offshore Wind

UK firms to develop unmanned rescue craft for offshore wind operators

Baird Maritime

UK-based naval architects Chartwell Marine and local technology startup company Zelim are currently developing a new remotely operated vessel (ROV) that will be used as a marine rescue platform to serve customers in the offshore wind industry.

The vessel will be designed with accessible features to address limited mobility challenges, such as a rescue conveyor for recovering castaways from the water, easy-open door handles, an air-conditioned cabin, and a helicopter pick-up zone.

The vessel will be mounted onto offshore structures and deployed into the water via a 25-metre free fall following MOB or helicopter downing incidents. To maximise safety in severe weather conditions, the craft will be capable of operating in significant wave heights of 4.5 metres.