Partnership to Electrify and Transform Existing CTVs in the UK

Shift Clean Energy (Shift), Ecomar Propulsion, and Aluminium Marine Consultants have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate and develop a revolutionary retrofit package to electrify and transform existing crew transfer vessels (CTVs) and workboats into environmentally friendly marine vessels.

With the use of Shift’s advanced energy storage systems (ESS), Aluminium Marine Consultants' expert shipyard capabilities, and Ecomar Propulsion's innovative propulsion systems, the partnership aims to introduce "plug and play" solutions that will lower emissions, reduce costs and increase overall efficiency.

The pre-engineered solutions include the complete retrofitting and modernization of the CTVs and workboats, with the objective of creating low and zero-emission operations with high performance energy storage systems to hybridize and fully electrify the vessels. Additionally, complete interior overhauls will be carried out using KPM Marine sustainable seats and furniture to elevate the sustainable profile of the vessels.

Paul Hughes, President of Shift, said, "We are excited to have Aluminium Marine Consultants exclusively select Shift to embark on this forward-thinking project. This collaboration reflects our deep commitment to powering the transition to green energy in the marine industry."

Aluminium Marine Consultants, responsible for building approximately one-third of the CTV fleets in the UK, will utilize their extensive expertise to lead the retrofit and refurbishment process. Rob Stewart, Commercial Director of Aluminium Marine Consultants, said, “Our goal is for 100% zero carbon wind farm operations whilst being realistic that existing vessel should not be scrapped but adapted until such time as we can replace the fleets with new vessels. By re-powering and re-using existing CTVs, we seek to lower the carbon footprint of the maritime industry and pave the way for a more sustainable future.”

Eugene Bari, CEO of Ecomar Propulsion, said, "We believe that collaboration is a powerful tool to drive change in the maritime industry towards sustainable alternatives. We are proud to partner with both Shift and Aluminium Marine Consultants in such an innovative project."