Outlook Looking ahead, the offshore renewable energy market remains resilient, with a strong pipeline of work. Meanwhile, the commercial shipbuilding sector continues to grapple with ongoing issues such as geopolitical tensions, protectionist policies and supply chain disruptions, which will significantly impact design and construction efforts. The pursuit of environmentally friendly technologies continues, though uncertainty persists over which fuel sources will ultimately prevail. Elsewhere, the defence sector faces its own set of challenges, as its resources are being stretched thin by the many and constantly changing areas of geopolitical tension. This means balancing complex platform capabilities with the scalability of smaller, more agile, and potentially disposable platforms. This geopolitical context is also likely to enhance national protection of the industrial base, including shipbuilding, and this is expected to become more entrenched and formalised through legislation. The publication of national shipbuilding strategies has introduced some level of certainty regarding future production schedules. However, these strategies also highlight the difficulties during lean periods, emphasising continuous build cycles over novel design initiatives. While the commercial and defence sectors navigate their unique pressures, both are also being influenced by the broader trends of sustainability, digital innovation and geopolitical realignments. So, while opportunities are seemingly plentiful after a year of significant progress, we will as ever, focus carefully on identifying and satisfying our customers’ changing needs. Retrofit ferries As the global maritime sector faces mounting pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we partnered with PA Consulting to examine the feasibility of retrofitting medium-sized Ro-Pax ferries with hydrogen propulsion technology. We developed three alternatives with varying levels of complexity, hydrogen demands and costs. (left) Wind market win To bolster its fleet for the expanding offshore wind market, operator Ventus Marine chose our Z-Bow 27m CTV design. Built by Strategic Marine, its unique features include a Z-Bow Hull for improved seakeeping and our Active Fender System® to ensure safe crew transfers.(below) Vessel upgrade When Scottish offshore wind farm operator Maritime Craft Services Clyde Ltd (MCS) was seeking to upgrade its support vessels, it decided to partner with us. After a comprehensive evaluation, our retrofit solution replaced the propulsion system, resulting in improved safety, increased efficiency, and reduced downtime. (above) Uncrewed innovation From safety to sustainability, uncrewed vessels can offer huge benefits. We are working with South Devon College and HydroSurv on a project to develop automated docking stations and a Remote Operations Centre (ROC) using BMT REMBRANDT. The project includes renewable energy-powered docking stations, which will reduce the need for manual handling of vessels and lower carbon emissions. This initiative aligns with the UK’s Maritime 2050 strategy to support clean and sustainable maritime practices. The project will also provide students with practical training in new maritime technologies, helping to build a skilled workforce for the future while supporting local economic growth. (right) Electric ferry of the future We unveiled our new 42m all-electric EF-500 passenger ferry design at the prestigious International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans. With capacity for five hundred passengers and four crew members, this zero-emission vessel has been tailored to meet the rising demand for hybrid or all-electric ferries. (left) Green design unveiled The StratCat35 CTV design puts sustainability front and centre, while also rising to the testing demands that are inherent to operating in the offshore wind sector. A key innovation in the CTV is its state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion system, supported by a methanol-ready configuration, designed to minimise greenhouse gas emissions and enhance fuel efficiency. (left) Shaping the future of ferry transport Ferry operators are under pressure to enhance operational efficiency while minimising environmental impact, so we partnered with Canadian shipbuilder Greenline Marine Inc. to design an innovative all-electric 32m ferry, which has the potential to shape the future of ferry transport. (left) “The StratCat35 is a testament to BMT’s exceptional design expertise and our shared commitment to sustainability. Their innovative solutions have truly elevated this vessel’s performance and operational versatility. We are excited to continue our partnership with BMT to push the boundaries of CTV technology in the offshore wind industry.” James Lewis, Business Development Manager at Strategic Marine 29 BMT Group Ltd | Review of performance 23-24 28
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