News release from Bridgeport-based Hornblower Marine:
Hornblower Marine announced today the successful conversion of former fishing vessel Nice Day Too into a fully operational Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV), Capt. Les Eldridge, for operations by Coast Line Transfers.
Today’s announcement marks a first in the ongoing maritime industry effort to convert existing fishing and non-OSW vessels for deployment as CTVs and other OSW roles necessary to meet the robust local, state, and national goals for Offshore Wind development across the East Coast.
The successful conversion of the Capt. Les Eldridge follows the announcement of Hornblower Marine’s recent conversion and sea trial of offshore supply vessel Gateway Endeavor for use in a variety of Offshore Wind (OSW), Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV), and similar operational roles. The Gateway Endeavor will supplement WINDEA CTV LLC’s fleet of 5 newbuild 30m catamaran CTVs.
“Hornblower Marine is proud to be at the leading edge of vessel conversion and maintenance necessary for the success of the United States’ burgeoning Offshore Wind industry,” said Hornblower Marine’s Senior Vice President of Vessel Construction and Repair, Junior Volpe.
Hornblower Marine’s Bridgeport, CT facility and expert crew offer vessel operators and owners a broad range of shipyard services including vessel repair, maintenance, renovation, repower, engineering, design, and project management. Centrally located and quickly accessible for OSW operations and contractors across the East Coast, the facility includes Travelift availability for vessels up to 700 tons with a maximum beam of 58 feet and offers skilled trades in aluminum and steel fabrication and welding, electrical, mechanical, joinery and outfitting, pipefitting, painting, and fiberglass.
The Capt. Les Eldridge, which was originally constructed on the Gulf Coast, underwent extensive bow conversion and other vessel upgrades at Hornblower Marine’s Bridgeport, CT facility to provide necessary cargo and passenger loading space required to safely serve Offshore Wind platforms.
Additional vessel upgrades and maintenance included the necessary installation of onboard safety systems, upper deck modifications to allow for larger cargo storage areas, and pilot house upgrades that include the installation of larger windows to accommodate a complete view of passenger loading operations while underway.
Following the successful conversion of the Capt. Les Eldridge, Coast Line Transfers selected Hornblower Marine for the management of bi-annual inspections and major repairs to a second offshore vessel.
To learn more about Hornblower Marine, visit www.hornblowermarine.com.
About Hornblower Marine
Hornblower Marine is a full-service shipyard and Baudouin engine distribution center located in Bridgeport, CT. Hornblower Marine Propulsion, as part of Hornblower Marine, offers sales, service, and supply of Baudouin marine-specific commercial propulsion engines and parts ranging from 16-32 liters and compliant with EPA Tier 3 and Tier 4 emission standards. Hornblower Marine has Travelift availability for vessels up to 700 tons with a maximum beam of 58 feet and offers skilled trades in aluminum and steel fabrication and welding, electrical, mechanical, joinery and outfitting, pipefitting, painting, and fiberglass. The facility offers a broad range of shipyard services including vessel repair, maintenance, renovation, repower, engineering, design, and project management. Hornblower Marine also offers services across a broad range of marine engines. With direct deep-water access to the Long Island Sound, the facility consists of a 90’ wide, 290’ long, 80’ high fully-enclosed production shed to accommodate multiple vessels simultaneously in a climate-controlled environment.
