Incat Crowther picked to design new fast crew vessel fleet

Written by Nick Blenkey

Image: Incat Crowther

Singapore-based Fast Offshore Supply (FOS) has selected Incat Crowther to design a fleet of ten new 55-meter DP2 fast crew vessels

Capable of transporting 80 passengers and a payload of 150 tonnes at speeds of up to 30 knots, the new vessels will be constructed in multiple shipyards across the region including FOS’s own shipyard in Singapore.

The new fast crew vessels will join FOS’s expanding fleet providing offshore personnel and cargo transportation services and will operate in support of Brunei Shell Petroleum’s (BSP) offshore energy assets. Incat Crowther’s team of naval architects worked closely with FOS during the international tender to develop a design specifically to meet Brunei Shell’s requirements, particularly for availability and operability throughout the year.

“Constructing this fleet across multiple shipyards will enable rapid deployment of the new vessels and has been made possible by our digital design and shipbuilding process,” said Ed Dudson, Incat Crowther’s managing director, Europe. “Each shipyard receives an identical, highly detailed digital package containing everything required for construction – from structural arrangements through to internal routing of auxiliary systems, electrical cable trays and HVAC. This approach ensures that despite the complexity of a multi-location build, all ten vessels will be delivered to an identical design and specification, providing FOS with a consistent, reliable fleet,” said Mr Dudson.

Designed to maximize operational efficiency, the new fast crew vessels feature an SMST gangway that enables safe and efficient personnel transfer to offshore infrastructure. The vessels have a 200 square meter aft cargo deck forv transporting critical supplies and equipment to Brunei Shell’s offshore assets. To support the gangway operation, the vessels are fitted with three bow thrusters to meet the required DP2 notation.

Passenger amenity has also been prioritized with each vessel’s main deck including a spacious, air-conditioned passenger cabin complete with business class style seating, three bathrooms, two twin cabins and ample cargo storage spaces. The hull deck accommodates each vessel’s 16 crew in comfort with six twin cabins, two single cabins, a crew mess and kiosk area.

“FOS and Incat Crowther have teamed together to successfully win this highly competitive international tender process, we’re pleased to be working together on the design and delivery of this important new fleet,” said Chew Kia Hoe at Fast Offshore Supply. “Incat Crowther’s dedication to genuine collaboration throughout the tender and design phase has been highly valued and has resulted in a vessel design which we are incredibly proud of, and one which is tailored specifically to the needs of our clients at BSP. Incat Crowther’s digital design process also provides us with the flexibility and confidence to construct the fleet across multiple shipyards simultaneously, which is commercially essential and will enable timely deployment of the full fleet.”

Construction on the new fleet started in late 2025, with the first vessels expected to enter service in early 2027.