We’re absolutely delighted to announce that Commercial Rib Charter has been honoured with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise, in the innovation category, for the development and operation of CRC Walrus.
This is a huge moment for our team and one of the biggest achievements in our company’s history.
CRC Walrus is believed to be the world’s first amphibious crew transfer vessel built to full commercial standards for offshore windfarm operations. A true industry-first that’s changing the way offshore access is delivered.
Receiving the UK’s highest official business honour for this innovation is fantastic recognition of the hard work, engineering expertise and determination that went into bringing this concept to life.
Transforming offshore wind access
The award recognises a major breakthrough in offshore wind support, solving one of the industry’s biggest and most frustrating operational challenges: safely transferring technicians to turbines in areas where shifting sands and tidal conditions prevent conventional crew transfer vessels from operating efficiently.
With years of experience supporting offshore wind, marine construction, cable landings and specialist offshore projects across the UK and Europe, Commercial Rib Charter developed CRC Walrus in direct response to growing access challenges at offshore wind farms.
Shifting sandbanks can leave turbines difficult, and sometimes impossible, to reach during low tide. Traditional crew transfer vessels depend on sufficient water depth to safely approach turbines, often limiting operations to short and expensive access windows around high tide. This creates unnecessary downtime, additional vessel movements, higher costs and increased environmental impact for offshore wind operators.
Introducing CRC Walrus
Launched in February 2023, CRC Walrus was specifically designed to remove these restrictions by combining the full capability of a modern crew transfer vessel with true amphibious performance.
It can transition from open water to exposed sand within minutes, allowing technicians to safely access turbines regardless of tidal conditions. This creates reliable all-tide access, helping maintenance teams work more efficiently while dramatically reducing delays caused by tidal limitations.
At 12.8 metres in length, CRC Walrus carries up to eight technicians plus crew and cruises comfortably at 20 knots.
It includes full commercial CTV facilities, including suspension seating, a heated cabin, transfer platform with sliding walkway, crew welfare areas and cargo space for tools and replacement parts.
Powered by twin 325HP outboards, the vessel delivers strong offshore performance while reducing overall vessel weight compared to traditional inboard systems, improving efficiency and lowering fuel consumption.
Proven offshore success
Following successful trials, CRC Walrus secured its first deployment contract at Scroby Sands Wind Farm.
That initial contract has since been extended to an impressive 5.5 years – a clear demonstration of both the vessel’s proven capability and the long-term value it delivers for offshore wind operations.
Its success has also opened the door for further amphibious vessel deployment at other offshore wind sites where tidal access presents similar operational challenges.
A landmark achievement
The King’s Award for Enterprise is the UK’s highest official business honour and a globally recognised mark of excellence, celebrating outstanding achievement in innovation and exceptional success in British business.
For Commercial Rib Charter, receiving this award is a major milestone that reflects years of innovation, practical problem-solving and a commitment to delivering better solutions for the offshore industry.
CRC Walrus was created to solve a real-world challenge, and its continued success proves how innovative vessel design can deliver safer, smarter and more sustainable support for the future of offshore wind and to receive a King’s Award for that type of innovation is something we are incredibly proud to celebrate.
