UK-based ship designer Chartwell Marine and the Cooperative Association of Japan Shipbuilders (CAJS), an industry organisation representing 59 shipyards in Japan, have signed a memorandum of understanding to support the development and local construction of vessels for Japan’s offshore wind industry.

The collaboration will focus on crew transfer vessels (CTVs) and service operation vessels (SOVs), based on Chartwell Marine’s conceptual designs that have been introduced in Japan through a Nippon Foundation-supported programme led by CAJS.

Under the agreement, the companies will work together to support Japanese shipowners, operators and shipyards on potential vessel projects and the early stages of design development.

CAJS will act as a bridge between domestic stakeholders and Chartwell, facilitating communication and knowledge exchange to support the development of locally built vessels that meet project requirements and local content rules.

“As Japan’s offshore wind sector ramps up and demand for locally built support vessels grows, collaboration with experienced international design partners is increasingly important. By working together, we can help support the development of locally constructed vessels and contribute to the long-term growth of the industry,” said Hiroyuki Nishida, managing director of CAJS.

The agreement may also extend in the future to support other advanced vessel types, including battery-powered and hybrid high-speed passenger vessels.