Clean energy comeback: Tidal Transit’s electric retrofit CTV wins Innovation Award, 13 years after first nomination
Tidal Transit has been named winner of the Innovation category at this year’s East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) Awards. The company was recognised for pioneering the world’s first diesel-to-electric retrofit crew transfer vessel (CTV) to support operational decarbonisation in the offshore wind industry.
The accolade comes with a unique historical twist: the same vessel, known today as e-Ginny, was nominated for the same award category in 2012 for breaking new ground in innovative multi-functional crew transfer.
Designed to provide essential operations and maintenance support for offshore wind, Ginny Louise, originally built to run on diesel, has since undergone a complete transformation through an advanced electrification retrofit programme. Collaborating with key project partners, Tidal Transit has upgraded e-Ginny with electric propulsion, marine batteries, battery storage and insulation, weight-saving measures and new hull designs; and developed vital shoreside and offshore charging systems to support her on-site operations.
The retrofit project demonstrates how existing CTVs can be modernised to deliver substantial emissions, pollution and noise reductions without relying solely on new builds, offering the opportunity to extend material and asset lifecycles and reduce long-term operational costs.
Tidal Transit commercial director, Leo Hambro, commented: “Seeing e-Ginny recognised by EEEGR for the second time in her life is incredibly special. In 2012, she was celebrated for her adaptability, versatility and forward-thinking design. Thirteen years and one electric retrofit later, she’s at the forefront once again - this time proving the industry’s growing appetite for innovations in fleet electrification.”
