Singapore-based shipbuilder Strategic Marine has commissioned three groundbreaking offshore supply vessels, set to become the fastest globally, achieving speeds exceeding 53 knots. These vessels, powered by four 16-cylinder mtu Series 2000M72 engines from Rolls-Royce, will serve a national oil company in Africa, facilitating swift passenger transfers to offshore platforms.
The vessels are designed as Surface Effect Ships (SES), utilising air-cushion technology within a catamaran hull form, a first in the offshore oil and gas industry. This innovative design, combined with the mtu propulsion package, allows the vessels to travel at significantly higher speeds than traditional monohulls and catamarans, maintaining fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
Chan Eng Yew, CEO of Strategic Marine, highlighted the achievement: “The 53-knot top speed during the sea trials demonstrates that we were successful in building and commercialising this technology for offshore crew transfer applications. mtu engines have made a significant contribution thanks to their unique power-to-weight ratio.”
Denise Kurtulus, Senior Vice President of Global Marine at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating, “The excellent power-to-weight ratio and long maintenance intervals of over 12,000 hours were crucial factors in the selection of our engines. These product benefits will help us achieve our strategic goal of increasing our share of the commercial marine market.”
The introduction of these vessels marks a significant advancement in offshore transportation, promising enhanced efficiency and reduced environmental impact. As the industry continues to evolve, such innovations are expected to set new standards for speed and sustainability in marine operations.
