New Catamaran Crewboat DC1 Joins US Offshore Wind Fleet

Crest Wind accepted delivery on December 30, 2025 of DC1, a purpose built catamaran crewboat and daughtercraft constructed at Derecktor Shipyards in Mamaroneck, New York. Designed by Chartwell Marine and flagged in the United States, DC1 will support service operation vessels and technicians working on offshore wind farms along the Eastern USA, including operations for Siemens Gamesa maintenance crews.

The vessel was built to meet US Coast Guard Subchapter T and L requirements and was sized to operate as an SOV launched craft. DC1 measures 40 feet in length overall, with a 13 foot beam and a shallow draught of about 2.0 feet. The boat accommodates two crewmembers and up to eight passengers, and is fitted with twin Volvo Penta IPS D6 500 systems for precise manoeuvring and efficient station keeping. Onboard electronics include Garmin radar.

Chartwell Marine emphasised design priorities that match real world offshore needs. Robin Saunders, Naval Architect at Chartwell Marine, said, “DC1 offers an adaptable platform capable of supporting a wide range of offshore and coastal missions.” He added, “[It is] a high performance workboat that delivers stability, manoeuvrability, and practical functionality.”

The catamaran hull and raised bow freeboard improve seakeeping and reduce tunnel slamming, which helps maintain safe push on transfers alongside larger service vessels. Saunders said, “The multihull offers superior seakeeping performance and increased stability to provide a comfortable, safe and workable platform for Siemens Gamesa’s operations and maintenance workforce. Daily duties will include personnel transfer, equipment movement, and supporting technicians conducting inspection, maintenance, and operational work.” He also noted that the higher freeboard increases separation between the thruster and bow fender and improves the vessel push on ability.

Crew comfort and operability were built into the interior layout to reduce fatigue during repeated transfers. Saunders said, “Compared to a traditional daughtercraft, DC1 offers several features that create a safe and comfortable environment offshore. These include suspension seating that can be adjusted to crew preferences and sea conditions; large windows that enhance visibility and reduce motion induced fatigue; and thermal and sound insulation that provide a climate controlled, low noise environment.” He added, “This improves both the operability of the vessel and the comfort for those on board.”

Designing a compact crewboat that meets strict SOV launch and recovery weight limits required careful optimisation of hull form, fendering and propulsion efficiency. Saunders explained that weight management and close coordination between designer and builder were essential to retain structural strength and required systems while keeping the vessel within operational limits.

For operators in the growing US offshore wind sector, DC1 represents a US built, certified option that balances comfort, station keeping performance and compact footprint. Its arrival adds a practical tool for safer personnel movement and equipment support in coastal and offshore work.