Njord Offshore’s New Crew Transfer Vessel Completes Sea Trials

The first in a series of two new 27-meter crew transfer vessels (CTV) designed by BMT for Njord Offshore has completed sea trials, reaching a top speed of 27 knots. The new vessel, Njord Zenith, was built by Cheoy Lee Shipyards in China.

Jago Lawless, Technical Director at BMT explains: “We have a number of 26m CTV vessels operating that have been designed and built in accordance with Lloyd’s Register’s rules for Special Service Craft and the UK code for High Speed Offshore Service Craft. This 27m vessel however, is the first CTV designed by BMT that utilizes a highly efficient Z-bow hull form. This hull form gives added waterline length resulting in excellent high-speed performance during transit, yet optimized zero-speed seakeeping performance, minimizing the unwanted vertical buoyancy forces that may otherwise be experienced during push-up operations in head seas. Having a steady vessel during technician transfer is vital.”

To ensure the best performance can be achieved during these transfer operations, the vessel utilizes the Active Fender System, exclusive to BMT and is propelled by quad Volvo IPS 900, offering excellent speed performance, high bollard pull and outstanding maneuverability, the designer said

Lawless added, “Njord Zenith is the largest, most versatile, multi-role CTV we have launched to date and is a step change with regards to both fuel and deadweight capacity.”

With a maximum fuel bunkering capacity of 52,000 liters or a combined cargo/fuel capacity deadweight of up to 50 metric tons, the vessel has the capacity to transport up to 24 offshore personnel and includes an innovative bridge design with full height front window for improved fore deck visibility, as well as docking whilst transporting containers.