Northern Offshore Services Delivers World’s First 100% Biomethanol-Powered CTV
Northern Offshore Services (N-O-S), a Sweden-headquartered provider of crew transfer vessels (CTVs) for the offshore wind industry, has delivered a groundbreaking CTV powered entirely by biomethanol. The vessel has been chartered by wind turbine supplier Vestas, marking a major milestone as the world’s first CTV running on 100% biomethanol.
“We now operate the world’s first single-fuel biomethanol crew transfer vessel. We are improving our fleet’s sustainability and setting a new standard for the maritime industry. Biomethanol represents a powerful alternative to conventional fuels, and we are proud to lead the way,” said David Kristensson, Group CEO of Northern Offshore Group.
The vessel, named Transporter, was designed and developed by N-O-S through a conversion from A-Class to T-Class. Measuring 25 meters in length, this high-speed catamaran features an updated and improved hull design along with 24 passenger seats. It is specifically engineered for the fast and reliable transfer of technicians and light cargo, according to N-O-S.
The conversion to full biomethanol propulsion was made possible through a collaboration with Vestas. The initiative began in 2022, when Vestas signed a five-year charter with Northern Offshore Services to explore the role of methanol-powered CTVs in reducing carbon emissions in offshore service operations.
N-O-S highlighted the high demand for biomethanol and ensured a secure fuel supply through its partner, Northern Energy & Supply (N-E-S), ahead of the vessel’s deployment.
“We are leading the wind industry in testing solutions that move us away from using marine gas oil (MGO). Opportunities exist for operating low-emission vessels. Commitment and alliances are needed to further exploit these opportunities,” said Lisa Ekstrand, Head and VP of Sustainability at Vestas. “We are proud to be the first company in the wind industry to test the use of a single-fuel biomethanol-powered CTV in our offshore service operations.”
