Seacraft Shipyard News

The decision to repower a vessel is a multi-faceted one, and it can be safely assumed that no two decisions in this arena are exactly the same. Whether it's a crewboat that needs new power units to accommodate a new scope of operation; extending the life of an old, but otherwise stable boat; a rip and refit to replace under performing engines; or as a simple factor in the overall vessel conversion equation - the decision to install new engines on a vessel entails a significant financial investment for the owner. This year has seen a number of significant and unique marine repowerings. The vessels covered in this report are unique in that they range from a 149-passenger tour boat to an 846-ft. long military freighter powered by gas turbine engines.

Seacraft Shipyard Corporation of Amelia, La., delivered M/V Contender, a 140-ft. aluminum oilfield crewboat. M/V Contender represents the new generation of aluminum oilfield crewboat, designed and built to transport and support the oilfield industry in the Gulf of Mexico. Designed in house, the vessel is certified for Gulf of Mexico Service by the United States Coast Guard and the American Bureau Shipping via loadline standards. The vessel is certified to carry 140 long tons of deck cargo located on the large aft deck measuring 70 x 18-ft. The vessel is equipped to transfer 20,938 gallons of rig water and 11,500 gallons of fuel. The vessel is also equipped to carry 7,776 gallons of ship’s fuel and 1,500 gallons of potable water.

The 140 ft. catamaran seismic survey vessel Ms. Cordelia was delivered to Global Geophysical Services, Houston, TX. The all aluminum vessel was converted from a prototype high speed low wake passenger ferry that had not been completed or put in service. The conversion design and engineering was done by the naval architectural firm of Guarino & Cox, LLC, Covington, LA. Seacraft Shipyard carried out the conversion work at their facilities in Amelia, LA. The unfinished vessel was considered an ideal candidate to be converted for its intended use primarily due to the large deck area available and its shallow draft. The MS. CORDELIA will be capable of performing inshore shallow water seismic survey work laying and retrieving cables in as little as 6 feet of water.

In addition to delivering Laurie Tide on schedule, Seacraft Shipyard also surpassed all contractual vessel performance requirements. Christened by her namesake, Mrs. Laurie Kirzner, the vessel holds a top speed of 30 knots, a normal operating speed of 28.5 knots and a contract loaded speed of 27.5 knots; Laurie Tide is the fastest 115 ft. class, propeller driven mono hull, oilfield crew boat ever built, says the company. USCG-approved for 200 miles offshore and ABS classed, the vessel is powered by three Cummins engines producing 1,350-hp each closed coupled to a Reintjes Marine Gear. Electrical power plants consist of two Cummins 4 BT 3.9 engines coupled to a Newage Stamford 50 kW generator supplying electricity throughout the vessel.

Seacraft Shipyard Corporation, based in Amelia, La. delivered its recent newbuild, M/V Cayman Aggressor IV. Constructed to transport and support recreational scuba divers, the 100 ft. live-aboard dive yacht is the newest of its kind. The vessel boasts yacht quality furnishings, and is the first in a new generation of luxury in the live-aboard diving business. Certified for ocean service, and compliant to USCG, ABS and SOLAS standards, Cayman Agressor's upper deck houses bridge controls, covered self-service bar, hot tub and sun deck. The main deck is comprised of the pilothouse dining room, galley and dive deck. Eight staterooms are included as well. Propulsion is supplied by a pair of GM engines with an auxiliary power from two, vibration isolated, GM generator sets.

Seacraft Shipyard Corporation of Amelia, La., recently delivered M/V Galaxy to its owners in Roatan, Honduras. M/V Galaxy will operate as a passenger and cargo ferry servicing the islands off the coast of Honduras. The vessel can transport up to 279 passengers, and has three separate cargo holds. Main propulsion is supplied by four CAT 3412 engines rated at 825 hp each, close-coupled to TD 5202 2.5:1 transmissions turning 40 x 41 in. four-blade Nibral propellers. Electrical power is supplied by two new 60 kW, 1,200 rpm generator sets. The main cabin has seating for 168 passengers, as well as a concesion area. A satellite television system with remotes throughout the vessel and stereo system is installed for passenger entertainment.

Seacraft Shipyard Corp. of Amelia, La. delivered M/V Cayman Aggressor IV to Aggressor Fleet Ltd. The 110 ft. aluminum luxury dive yacht was designed by Seacraft Shipyard and is Cayman Island Shipping Registry certified. Two 12V71TI main engines, closed coupled to a pair of Twin Disc 514, 2.5:1 transmissions enables Cayman Aggressor IV to cruise at 12 knots. The propeller shafts and rudders are stainless steel and were fabricated at Seacraft's machine shop. Electricity is supplied by one 30 kW and one 40 kW generator. The aft dive deck features storage lockers for diving gear, air and nitrox fill stations, fresh water dip tank, and two access ladders.

Seacraft Shipyard Corp. of Amelia, La. delivered M/V Cayman Aggressor IV to Aggressor Fleet Ltd. The 110 ft. aluminum luxury dive yacht was designed by Seacraft Shipyard and is Cayman Island Shipping Registry certified. Two 12V71TI main engines, closed coupled to a pair of Twin Disc 514, 2.5:1 transmissions enables Cayman Aggressor IV to cruise at 12 knots. The propeller shafts and rudders are stainless steel and were fabricated at Seacraft's machine shop. Electricity is supplied by one 30 kW and one 40 kW generator. The aft dive deck features storage lockers for diving gear, air and nitrox fill stations, fresh water dip tank, and two access ladders.

Seacraft Shipyard Corp., Amelia, La., recently delivered M/V Sea Holly, a 110 ft. live-aboard long range yacht, designed for extended excursions. The entire exterior of the vessel was faired and painted to a yacht-quality finish and the bottom of the vessel was coated with a high-performance anti-fouling paint. On the aft main deck are a flat bottom skiff and a vee bottom runabout, both of which are secured on removable boat cradles. The main deck cabin features a full service galley. Forward of the galley is the six-person settee and table complete with television. Located on the upper deck is a large pilothouse equipped with a modern electronic package…