Veecraft Marine delivers bulletproof crewboats and sets to work on 30m wpc crewboat
Veecraft Marine has delivered a pair of 20m Monohull Crewboats and signed a contract to build a 30m Wave Piercing Catamaran Crew Boat. Hot on the heels of delivering Magen Defender and Masud Defender, the hard-working South African yard has commenced construction of a 30m Wave Piercing Catamaran Crew Boat for Africa Diving Service Ltd of Nigeria, the company said in its press release.
The recently delivered 20m Monohull Crewboats are based on the proven platform of 2011’s Ahuva, also built by Veecraft Marine. They feature a large cargo deck forward, with a pair of doors from the passenger compartment allowing bow loading either side of the foredeck cargo.
The foredeck features removable handrails to facilitate flexible loads and passenger movements, whilst the vessel’s excellent stability at rest further increases transfer safety.
The main deck passenger cabin features seating for 25 passengers and a head with lavatory. Under the raised pilothouse are bins for passengers’ luggage.
Below deck, crew accommodations include two staterooms for a crew of 6 with galley, mess and a head with shower and lavatory. Two large storage lockers and engine room access for crew use are also located below deck.
A notable requirement for the vessels is their bulletproof pilothouse. As well as fitting bulletproof glass, they are plated with Armox 500T steel, capable of withstanding an AK-47 cartridge fired at a distance of 10 metres.
The pilothouse features overhead windows forward to enhance visibility when approaching offshore platforms. Heavy duty replaceable fendering is fitted all round, and a 3000 l/hr remote control fire monitor is fitted to the pilothouse roof.
The vessels are each fitted with a pair of MAN 2842 LE410 main engines, each producing 824kW. Propulsion is via a pair of propellers, recessed in to tunnels to meet the demanding draft requirement.
Following the delivery of Magen Defender and Masud Defender in late 2013, Veecraft Marine commenced construction of African Runner, a 30m Wave Piercing Catamaran Crewboat intended for utility use in Nigeria. To be delivered to Africa Diving Services, this vessel will deliver significant improvements in versatility and efficiency.
Powered by a pair of Caterpillar C32 Acert main engines, each delivering 1081kW, the vessel will have a service speed of 30 knots in sea state 3.
The vessel has seats for 22 passengers, as well as accommodation for 15. An additional 8 crew can be accommodated in a self-contained deck-mounted module. With features including a 53m2 cargo deck, surfer style bow loading, fire-fighting monitor and ballistic-protected wheelhouse, the vessel will match the capacity and functionality of larger monohulls with reduced capital and operational costs.
The vessel is based on successful vessels built to Incat Crowther’s design, Topaz Zephyr and Topaz Zenith, delivered in 2011. Magen Defender, Masud Defender and African Runner further strengthen the partnership between Veecraft Marine and Incat Crowther in the supply of commercial vessels to Africa.
