DP-capable Crew Boat Delivered by Gulf Craft

Press Release June 3, 2013

SEACOR Lynx: Photo courtesy of Incat Crowther

Incat Crowther designed 'CrewZer Class' 58m Catamaran Crew boat, 'SEACOR Lynx', is the first of two to be constructed in the Louisiana shipyard.

SEACOR Marine pioneered the use of large, fast catamarans in the offshore industry with the commissioning of the innovative SEACOR Cheetah in January 2008, and SEACOR Cougar in April 2009. The operator takes this evolution further with the SEACOR Lynx, and sister ship SEACOR Leopard, currently nearing completion at Gulf Craft.

Benefiting from operational experience of the Cheetah and Cougar, SEACOR has delivered a vessel which offers substantial improvements in operational capability both in terms of vessel motions which translates to crew comfort, and operational envelope. During the first few months of service, the vessel has operated confidently in very rough seas at full deadweight capacity, demonstrating a maximum deviation of only 0.5 meters DP holding capability in a 3m sea with 4 knots of cross current and a 20 knot breeze.

SEACOR Lynx is powered by four MTU 16V4000 M73L main engines, driving four Hamilton HT-810 water jets. The vessel has a service speed of 40 knots with more than 120 tons deadweight and a top speed of 42 knots, allowing the vessel to service multiple deepwater installations with reduced transit times, and is a viable alternative to the much higher cost option of helicopter transfer.

As with the SEACOR Cheetah and Cougar, the cargo deck is lined with hardwood inserts, and protected by heavy duty cargo rails at the sides. An optional landing rig for surfer class vessels can be fitted amidships. The vessel has the capacity to carry 150 tons of deck cargo.

The combination of four reversing jets and 2 retractable azimuth thrusters, coupled with a Kongsberg control system, provides the vessels with dynamic positioning in a wide operating area. SEACOR Lynx is the first crew boat with DP3 capability, offering the ability to stay on station even with the failure of any main component such as a main engine or thruster, reference system or fuel system, or loss of any compartment due to a fire or a flood.

The main cabin seats 150 in very spacious seating, whilst comfort is further enhanced with increased luggage space and additional toilets. The main cabin also houses a snack bar and coffee making facilities. The upper deck wheelhouse features forward and aft-facing control stations. Outside are fire monitors and rescue boat. As well as excellent forward and aft visibility, direct access is provided to the foredeck for quick and safe mooring operations.

The hulls accommodate 12 crew in a mix of officer and crew cabins. The port hull features galley and mess facilities. SEACOR Lynx’s stability is designed to fully comply with the IMO HSC code, giving regulatory versatility.