NSW Al Yamama,the first of three new Incat Crowther 33 crew boats designed for Nakilat Svitzer Wijsmuller (NSW), has been officially launched in Singapore by shipbuilder Lita Ocean. NSW Al Yamama, with its homeport of Doha, and her two sister vessels will serve as wellhead maintenance vessels for QatarEnergy in the Middle East.
Designed specifically for the transfer of special maintenance personnel and equipment, the three BV-classed vessels can transport 40 people at speeds of up to 24 knots in safety and comfort. The vessel’s main deck features generously spaced passenger seating, a spacious officers’ lounge with refreshment center and two bathrooms. Al Yamama’s large deck cargo can hold up to ten tonnes of payload, ensuring the vessel can perform the dual role of transporting personnel and crucial equipment for QatarEnergy.
Sleeping quarters for seven crew are located in the hull alongside a large lounge, mess and bathroom. The vessel’s elevated wheelhouse ensures the captain has an excellent line of sight for day and night operations from both forward and aft-facing helm positions.
The vessel is powered by a pair of Caterpillar C32 main propulsion engines and three Caterpillar C4.4 generator sets.
Commenting on the project, Grant Pecoraro, managing director of Incat Crowther USA said the launch of NSW Al Yamama by Lita Ocean was an important milestone in the project.
“It’s great to see the first Incat Crowther 33 now in the water and we’re confident NSW Al Yamama will soon begin many years of successful service for NSW,” said Mr Pecoraro.
“This project has again demonstrated the effectiveness of Incat Crowther’s proven design approach, technology, and experience. NSW Al Yamama is the result of a true collaborative design process between our team of expert naval architects and engineers, Lita Ocean and NSW. We’re now looking forward to working with Lita Ocean to launch and deliver the remainder of the new fleet,” said Mr Pecoraro.
The final two vessels comprising the new crew boat build contract, NSW Al Shuaiba and NSW Zikreet, are nearing completion and are expected to be delivered in August and September respectively.