British boatbuilder Chartwell Marine has unveiled its bespoke 12m landing craft commissioned by a leading Dublin boat charter company to support large-scale offshore energy projects.

The aluminium vessel for Irish Commercial Charter Boats (ICCB) will be constructed at Arklow Marine Services, with a view to hitting the water this summer.

And according to Chartwell Marine, it sets the stage “for a rapid build-out of the Irish offshore fleet in the next few years, as new large-scale energy projects come online”.

The company says the “market-first” craft has been designed “to meet ICCB’s expanding operational requirements, including surveying, assisting with cable landing and transporting supplies and personnel to near-shore offshore installations”.

It will be powered by two OXE diesel outboard engines, plus room for a spare onboard, with the flexibility to replace these with electric outboard motors in future.

And its shallow draft, allowing it to operate in depts of just 0.8 metres, will ensure “maximum versatility in the shallow waters around the East Irish coast”.

ICCB director Eoin Grimes said: “We’re excited to help drive the development of the next generation of Irish offshore support vessels.

“Chartwell Marine’s vessel offers us unparalleled manoeuvrability and versatility, especially in the shallow waters around Ireland, which will be vital as we continue to diversify our offering to the offshore energy market.”