Strategic Marine, Mirai Ships, and Ragnar Energy Solutions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to design and build new crew transfer vessels (CTVs) for the Japanese offshore market.

The MoU sets out the terms for exclusive collaboration on the design and construction of CTVs, a predominant asset utilised during the operational and maintenance phase of offshore wind farm operations, together with a supporting role during the construction phases of projects.

These vessels are intended to serve Japan’s growing offshore energy market.

The Japanese government aims to deploy 10 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and 30-45 GW by 2040, including floating wind, as part of its target to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

In October, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) designated three new areas as offshore wind preparation zones.

Those areas are Akita City, Akita Prefecture; the East Side of Wakayama Prefecture; and the West Side of Wakayama Prefecture for floating wind.

In regards to other news coming from Strategic Marine, the company recently signed a contract with OEG Renewables for a CTV newbuild that will support OEG Renewables’ operations in the Asia Pacific region.