Gulf Craft delivers high speed catamaran crew boat

JUNE 3, 2013 — The SEACOR Lynx, recently delivered by Gulfcraft LLC, Franklin, LA, is now in service with SEACOR Marine. It is the first of two Incat Crowther designed 58 m catamaran crew boats ordered by SEACOR Marine and the third vessel in the SEACOR CrewZer series..

SEACOR Marine pioneered the use of large, fast catamarans in the offshore industry with the commissioning of the innovative Incat Crowther designed SEACOR Cheetah in January 2008, and SEACOR Cougar in April 2009.

The operator has now taken the concept further with the SEACOR Lynx, and sister ship SEACOR Leopard, currently nearing completion at Gulf Craft’s shipyard.

Building on operational experience with the Cheetah and Cougar, the two latest vessels offer substantial improvements in operational capability both in terms of vessel motions, and thus 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 it 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, delivered by Gulf Craft in 2008 and 2009, 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.

PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS

Length Overall 192′ 3″ / 58.6m
Length Waterline 176′ / 53.6m
Beam Overall 41′ / 12.5m
Draft (hull) 5′ 8″ / 1.7m
Depth 14′ / 4.3m
Construction Marine grade aluminum

CAPACITIES

Fuel Oil 28 810 gallons / 109 100 liters
Fresh Water 4 624 gallons / 17 500 liters
Sullage 718 gallons / 2 700 liters
Grey Water 718 gallons / 2 700 liters
Main Engine Lube Oil 1 611 gallons / 6 100 liters
Passengers 150
Crew 14
Deadweight 192Lt / 195.08t
Tonnage (GRT) 497t

CARGO DECK

Deck Capacity 150Lt / 152.4Mt
Deck Strength 615lb/ft2 / 3.0 Mt/m²
Deck Length 87′ / 26.2m
Deck Width 32′ 2″ / 9.8m
Clear Area 2 810ft2 / 260.3m2

PROPULSION AND PERFORMANCE

Speed (Service) 40 knots
Speed (Max) 42 knots
Main Engines 4 x MTU 16V4000 M73L
Power 4 x 3860hp / 2880kW @ 2050rpm
Propulsion 4 x Hamilton HT-810 Water jets
Gearboxes 4 x Twin Disc MGX62000 SC
Generators 2 x Cummins QSM11, 290ekW
Bow Thruster 2 x Thrustmaster TH200-RN-AL
DP Capability DP-3
DISCHARGE RATES
Fuel Oil 180GPM @ 60ft / 41m3 hour @ 18m

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
External Fire Fighting 2 x FFS Monitors (10 600 GPM total)
Rescue Equipment 6 Person RSQ NDM 440 FRC w SOLAS Davit
Ride Control Maritime Dynamics

REGULATORY
Flag Marshall Islands
Class / Survey ABS ✠A1 HSC Crewboat ✠ AMS DPS-3 (Fire Fighting Capability)