Updated 25 November 2025.
Selecting the right propulsion system is one of the most important design decisions for any vessel, and for offshore wind farm vessels, it is mission-critical. Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) operate in challenging conditions, require precise manoeuvrability, and must consistently deliver technicians safely to turbines. Choosing an unsuitable propulsion system can lead to increased fuel consumption, reduced uptime, safety limitations and weaker competitiveness.
This article explains the operational profile of wind farm vessels, how CPP technology works, and why a controllable pitch propeller remains the most versatile and future-proof propulsion solution in the offshore wind sector.
Wind farm vessels, especially CTVs, operate in dynamic environments with a combination of high-speed transit, low-speed manoeuvring, and high bollard-push operations. A propulsion system must perform reliably across all three.
1. High-Speed Transit to the Wind Farm
CTVs frequently travel long distances at 20–30 knots. They must:
This is the most energy-demanding mode.
2. Medium/Low-Speed Manoeuvring Inside the Wind Farm
Once at the site, vessels operate at 10–20 knots while navigating between turbines and preparing for transfer operations.
3. Bollard Push and Turbine Push-On Operations
Safely transferring personnel requires:
These diverse operating modes place unique demands on the propulsion system — demands a CPP is particularly suited to handle.
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The CPP is a propeller with changeable pitch. Meaning that the propeller pitch can be adjusted for optimum load on the engines and adjusted to different conditions such as varying vessel load, weather conditions and operation modes.
Consequently, this propulsion system can be used to run the vessel in forward and astern direction both, by turning the propeller blades in aft pitch setting without having to change the direction of rotation of the shaft. Smooth manoeuvring reducing wear and tear on the engines will also reduce engine maintenance cost.
Also, with a hybrid solution you’ll have optimal propeller pitch when in EL-mode.
Transfer operations demand precise bow control against the turbine transition piece. CPPs offer:
By adjusting pitch, CPPs allow the engine to operate close to its optimal efficiency point. This typically results in:
Better thrust control and improved low-speed manoeuvrability mean CPP-equipped vessels can operate safely in larger weather windows. This increases:
Hybrid-electric propulsion is rapidly growing in offshore wind. A CPP provides:
The global market for marine hybrid propulsion is projected to more than double approaching 2030, making future-ready propulsion systems increasingly important.
Whether the vessel is:
…a CPP adapts instantly. Fixed-pitch propellers (FPPs) simply cannot match this operational flexibility.
Read more: What is Important When Selecting Propulsion Technology
Choosing the wrong propulsion system for a wind farm vessel can limit safety, fuel efficiency, uptime and competitiveness. A controllable pitch propeller provides the flexibility, thrust, control and hybrid compatibility required for modern offshore wind operations.
From high-speed transit to precision push-on manoeuvres, CPPs deliver reliable performance across all operational modes, making them the preferred choice for current and next-generation offshore wind farm vessels.