Manor Marine, leader in shipbuilding, manufacturing, repair and conversion, has received an order for two new additions to the Manor Renewable Energy (MRE) offshore support fleet.

MRE has commissioned the build of two 24-passenger hybrid crew transfer vessels, which will be designed by sustainable naval architect Chartwell Marine and fabricated by Manor Marine in Portland, Dorset.

Both vessels will be 25.2 metre aluminium catamarans featuring hybrid propulsion systems, twin marine diesel engines, electric motors, batteries and fixed pitch propellers. The central deck house will have a seating capacity for 24 personnel, a lounge and refreshment area, and seating for 3 or 4 crew in the bridge located above the main deck superstructure. Both vessels will also have accommodation for 4 personnel within two 2-berth cabins in the hull.

Leif Cooper, Managing Director at Manor Marine said, “It is extremely exciting to be able to support Manor Renewable Energy’s continuing growth by building the next generation of vessels for their fleet. These builds signify the first hybrid vessels built by Manor Marine with local labour and inclusion of local suppliers in the Portland area; we have been working very closely with both MRE and Chartwell Marine to ensure the vessels are specified to the highest standard whilst incorporating the latest technology to aid performance and reliability.”

Andy Page, Managing Director at Chartwell Marine commented, “We’re very glad to be working with local, reliable, and top-class shipbuilders in Manor Marine in delivering the Hybrid Chartwell Ambitious class, part of our developed offshore support vessel design range. Manor have helped us forge a strong chain of collaboration between designer, shipbuilder, and end customer in the renewables sector.”

Billy Hamilton, Managing Director at MRE added, “As we are seeing increased demand for our services, we are implementing a strong growth strategy. Working with Manor Marine to complement our existing fleet with two new Hybrid Chartwell Ambitious vessels is the first step. We have been discussing the possibility of MRE and MM working with Chartwell for several months and I look forward to the collaboration producing two top quality assets.”

The order of these two vessels marks the first since Manor Marine signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chartwell Marine.