Hamburg, July 03, 2024. WINDEA CTV LLC, a joint venture comprised of MidOcean Wind LLC and Hornblower Group, announced today that it successfully completed the delivery of the nation’s largest fleet of brand new, U.S. built, 30-meter hybrid-ready CTVs for operations supporting large scale commercial Offshore Wind projects across the East Coast. The four vessels include the previously delivered WINDEA Courageous and Intrepid, as well as the recently completed and delivered WINDEA Ranger and Enterprise, all named after America’s Cup sailing yachts.
The four brand-new Incat Crowther-designed CTVs were constructed by St. Johns Shipyard in Palatka, FL, Gulf Craft in Franklin, LA, and Breaux Brothers Enterprises in New Iberia, LA. Each CTV is operated by local crews trained under the unique conditions of each OSW development to reliably and efficiently provide transit without negatively impacting the local environment or other marine operations.
“WINDEA CTV has been making offshore wind personnel and equipment transfers since August 2023 and our fleet has steadily grown to where we are today. We are thrilled to now have four purpose built CTVs in operation. Our operating partner Hornblower has done an outstanding job scaling our service with the growth of the fleet.” said Bradley Neuberth, of MidOcean Wind LLC and Managing Partner of WINDEA CTV LLC. “Today is an important marker in the establishment of the North American OSW industry, and we are proud to deliver on the promise of designing, building, and operating U.S. built CTVs that will help bring renewable energy to millions of homes. Due to the challenges posed by supply chain disruptions, inflation, and fluctuating interest rates during since 2022, navigating the construction and delivery processes has been no easy feat. Fortunately, through close collaboration with our partners, stakeholders, and suppliers, we have successfully overcome these obstacles to achieve this noteworthy milestone at a pivotal time in the industry’s development."
The Enterprise will enter service alongside the Courageous and Intrepid in New Bedford and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. The Ranger will enter service in Norfolk, Virginia. A fifth CTV will join Ranger in Norfolk in early 2025.
“Launching a brand-new fleet of purpose-built CTVs is a pivotal component in the North American OSW market’s efforts to deliver on ambitious federal and state renewable energy goals both today and in the years ahead,” said Timothy O’Brien, Senior Vice President of Ferries and Transportation, Hornblower Group. “With WINDEA’s fleet of newly-built vessels, our government and OSW partners are provided the reliability and capacity needed to successfully service U.S. wind farm operations without sacrificing sustainability, safety, or efficiency.”
In addition to its newly built CTVs currently in operation, WINDEA CTV’s comprehensive fleet includes the Gateway Endeavor, a traditional crew vessel that underwent a CTV conversion by Hornblower Marine in Bridgeport, CT prior to entering service in 2023.
The Gateway Endeavor is currently operated by Seaward Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Hornblower Group.
“Successfully establishing the US Offshore Wind industry requires both expertly qualified crew and purpose-built CTVs capable of consistently meeting the robust and rapidly changing conditions of North American offshore operations,” said Scott Keever, Vice President of Seaward Services, Inc. “WINDEA’s entire fleet of vessels, as operated by our diverse crew, is now core to the industry’s future accomplishments and will continue to lead the CTV space for years to come.”
About WINDEA CTV LLC
WINDEA CTV LLC is a leading US offshore windfarm crew transfer vessel operator, currently with a fleet of a fleet of five next-generation CTVs for charter to offshore wind developers, installers, and turbine manufacturers. The joint venture is comprised of MidOcean Wind LLC and Hornblower Group, with close support from WINDEA Offshore GmbH & Co. KG and its German shareholders. The company is combining its existing operational presence and track records in the US with longstanding experience in the European offshore wind CTV market
About WINDEA GmbH & Co. KG
WINDEA Offshore GmbH & Co. KG is a joint venture for the offshore wind industry founded in 2011 and consisting of the partners Bernhard Schulte Offshore GmbH, Buss Offshore Solutions GmbH & Co. KG and Ems Maritime Offshore GmbH. Based in Hamburg, WINDEA acts a joint sales and synergy center for offshore wind projects. The company offers its customers a comprehensive range of services from a single source in connection with the construction and operation of offshore wind farms.
About MidOcean Wind LLC
A subsidiary of MidOcean Marine, MidOcean Wind LLC (MOW) was established in 2018 to address the need for Jones Act compliant vessels essential for serving the growing U.S. offshore wind market. MOW is dedicated to the development of vessels for both the construction/installation phases of offshore projects and ongoing operations and maintenance. The range of ship designs includes WTG feeder vessels, rockfall vessels, SOVs, and CTVs. MOW is guided by the belief that the market will determine the types of vessels to be constructed, and it has formed robust partnerships across all segments to deliver top-quality products to customers. MOW currently has five CTVs that will work in the US wind market. The establishment of WINDEA Offshore USA follows the European model, offering various offshore wind solutions from a single source.
The parent company, MidOcean Marine, is a shipping investment firm specializing in niche sectors with robust secular growth dynamics. MidOcean Marine strategically develops and positions assets to meet underserved and unmet market needs, often with an environmentally conscious approach, as exemplified by previously affiliated companies CLEAN MARINE ENERGY LLC and SW/TCH MARITIME. MidOcean Marine excels in the development of newbuild and conversion projects, leveraging U.S. shipbuilding, ownership, and operation. With a track record of owning over 25 ships and over 40 years of experience operating U.S. vessels, MidOcean Marine's operational excellence and access to expert resource pools make it a significant differentiator. Widely regarded as a "strategic" player in the industry by customers, shipyards, and other investors, MidOcean is frequently sought out on an exclusive basis as the partner of choice for U.S. maritime projects.
About Hornblower Group
Hornblower Group is a global leader in experiences and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group’s portfolio of international offerings includes water-based experiences (dining and sightseeing cruises), land-based experiences (walking tours, food tours and excursions), overnight experiences (cruises and railways) and ferry and transportation services. Hornblower Marine, a subsidiary of Hornblower Group, provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Seaward Services, Inc., a marine services company specializing in the operation, maintenance and repair of government and privately owned vessels, is also a subsidiary of Hornblower Group, operating and maintaining U.S. Navy Ranges and port facilities, including local oil spill response. Today, Hornblower Group’s global portfolio covers 114 countries and territories, 125 U.S. cities and serves more than 30 million guests annually. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Hornblower Group’s additional corporate offices reside in Adelaide, Australia; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada. For more information visit hornblowercorp.com.
Photo 1: WINDEA Intrepid and Courageous ©WINDEA CTV LLC
Photo 2: WINDEA Intrepid ©WINDEA CTV LLC
Photo 3: WINDEA Enterprise ©WINDEA CTV LLC
Media contact
Melanie Reinke
Marketing & Communication Manager
WINDEA Offshore GmbH & Co. KG
+49 40 7420 376 224