Strategic Marine Debuts Crew Transfer Vessel

Strategic Marine, a specialist shipbuilder for the oil and gas sector, has unveiled its Generation 3 crew transfer vessel for the international offshore markets.

The Strategic Marine Gen 3 40-meter boat is the latest model produced from a long background of designing and refining personnel transfer vessels currently servicing clients all over the world.

Succeeding the popular Generation 2, the new design has been in development since 2013. In assessing areas to upgrade the model, Strategic Marine focused on a more efficient hull, increased passenger, fuel and water capacities, higher payload and increased comfort.

“The Gen 3 design surpassed our expectations,” said Reece Newbold, Head of Group Business Development. “Our team has developed a vessel we are confident will eclipse the competition.”

The results of extensive tank and theoretical testing at the Australian Maritime College (AMC) in Tasmania exceeded the Group’s original suppositions about design optimisation. AMC concluded the hull was the most efficient they had ever tested in the size range and within the operating speed profile.

“The key benefit we can pass on is the major saving in fuel achievable at speeds from 20 – 30+ knots,” Newbold explained. “An actual saving in horsepower of 10% at all speeds below 25 knots and even greater reduction in horsepower over 25 knots have been realised. What this means in real terms is a reduction in horsepower and fuel consumption to achieve the 25 knots currently specified by a large number of charterers.”

The hull has been designed with adaptability in mind and the propulsion packages can vary in accordance with a client’s engine preference and charterer’s requirements.

The seating cabin has been increased in size and, depending on final layout, will cater for 100 passengers, all with expanded seat pitch. Improvements to the cargo deck area have also been made, featuring a clear deck area of 120 square metres.

The Gen 3 can also be utilised for security/patrolboat duties, emergency response, oilspill recovery, firefighting, general workboat duties, or as a shadow vessel.

“Strategic Marine is delighted to bring this new model to the market,” added Newbold. “Customers always ask their providers to keep up with technology and maximise what can be achieved – we listen and constantly strive to deliver. With the Gen 3, we can offer more savings in fuel consumption as well as all round increased capabilities and comfort.”

The Strategic Marine Gen 3 series is now under construction and orders are being settled.