Next generation fast crew supply duo goes to work

Next generation CrewZer fas crew supply vessels have a 42 knot top speed

SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 — Seacor Marine’s (NYSE:SMHI) two next generation CrewZer class catamarans, Seacor Puma and Seacor Panther, are now in service.

Designed by Incat Crowther, the vessels were built by Spanish shipbuilder Astillleros Armon and are unique in their capability to transfer personnel and equipment to offshore platforms at maximum speeds in excess of 40 knots.

Incat Crowther was commissioned to develop this next generation design following the proven operational success of Seacor Marine’s previous Incat Crowther high speed vessels.

The new design features 30% more deadweight capacity than its predecessor, while offering equivalent service speeds.

Like their predecessors, Seacor Puma and Seacor Panther are built and certified to carry 150 passengers of their predecessors, but are fitted out in a more comfortable 76 seat configuration with an overnight crew cabin.

All 76 passengers are accommodated in large reclining seats, fitted with privacy partitions, reading lights and device charging ports, equivalent to long haul airlines’ Business Class. The main deck also features a hospital, ship’s utility room, self-service café bar and four passenger bathrooms. Modern surfaces, furnishings and LED lighting complete the comfortable experience.

Upstairs, the wheelhouse is ergonomic and functional with dedicated work spaces. Vision over both ends of the vessel is excellent from the forward and aft control stations.

Crew are housed below deck in spacious, comfortable accommodations. The port hull features a fully-equipped galley, crew mess, two twin cabins and a bathroom. The starboard cabin has five twin cabins and a bathroom.

Fitted with four Cummins QSK95 main engines, each producing 4000 hp (2,983 kW) driving Hamilton Jet HT-810 water jets, Seacor Puma and Seacor Panther have a top speed of 42 knots.

On-station maneuvering is enhanced through a pair of retractable bow thrusters. Electrical power is provided by two Cummins QSM-11 generators in addition to a deck-mounted standby genset.

The DP-2, ABS-classed vessels are also fitted with Class 1 fire-fighting equipment to and are very capable fast offshore vessels.