Singapore shipyard Strategic Marine has announced its latest offshore fast crew boat, a 38m extra fast crew transfer catamaran vessel (FCTV), which has been designed in collaboration with One2Three naval architects in Sydney Australia, incorporating direct feedback from customers.
The new vessel has the option for a biosafe notation and – as it can transport 80 personnel at 40 knots – compared to helicopter transport it has a much lower fuel consumption offering significant savings on a cost per head basis compared with a helicopter.
Strategic will also apply a silicone antifouling coating designed for fast moving vessels, which has been found to be exceptionally effective, stopping biofilm from adhering to the vessel hull with no biocide leaching into the water, and offering further efficiency gains.
Greg Daniel, Technical Manager, Strategic Marine, said: “Our offshore customers are increasingly asking for faster transfers but still want to reduce their costs. Often helicopters are used but this is expensive and limited to small numbers (only about 10 crew at any one time). The new Strategic FCTV can provide fast transit for 80 passengers and crew, to and from offshore installations, travelling at 40 knots per hour, powered by four CAT C32 engines. This new vessel offers a much more cost effective, rapid transfer alternative and is suitable for longer distances. We are confident that it will surpass our customers’ expectations, wherever they are in the world.”
The vessel can be fitted with a motion compensated gangway offering ‘walk to work’ safe transfer. Alternatively, the stern and the bow of the vessel are different heights above the water, so if the crew need to do a swing rope transfer, they can choose the best option. The vessel has been designed with a large open deck which covers a third of the vessel length to give space for manoeuvres. The area can be fitted with a basket transfer crane which winches crew up and down to the offshore installation if necessary. The FCTV has a resilient mounted superstructure which sits on a rubber base to insulate the passenger accommodation from machinery noise and vibrations.
The standard propulsion package consists of CAT C32 engines producing 1,081kW (1,450hp) at 2,300rpm but Strategic Marine is also able to cater for the installation of a range of other systems. A recent deal with Caterpillar dealer PT Trakindo Utama Singapore Branch for 50 units ensures engine supply for clients amid current global supply chain issues. The FCTV is fitted with water jets which are quieter than propellors, efficient at high speeds, and particularly manoeuvrable which is necessary up close to an offshore installation. The design provides for multiple propulsion and hybrid options.
The vessel will be capable of achieving a service speed of 40 knots-plus at 90% MCR and a maximum speed at 100% MCR of over 41.3 knots, both measured on 25 dwt in calm water (up to sea state 2).
GM Hans Randklev said: “The speed, efficiency and versatility of our new 38m FCTV design will offer clients a product to meet all our client’s needs cost-effectively and safely. Strategic Marine is proud to launch a new design that will bridge a gap for today’s operators and fill a critical void in the market.”
Alongside shipbuilding, Strategic Marine provides service and maintenance, fabrication and engineering, marine logistics services and financial services and solutions for its products. Strategic Marine has an established reputation for building vessels for the offshore and gas market, with 73 FCBs delivered and a further six currently under construction, plus 27 CTVs with another six under construction.
