MBL Supply AB currently operates a South Catamaran 36/11m Island as a small supply vessel. ‘Supplier’ transports spare parts, crew and repair personnel, provisions and stores from Gothenburg to customers along Sweden’s west coast and Denmark’s east coast.

The new design offers a flatter hull form for higher speeds coupled to a deeper draught to increase the displacement of the vessel when loaded. With a beam of 6.4m, a draught of 1,8m and a lightship displacement of 20,000kg, the aluminium structure has been designed generally in accordance with Lloyds Rules for Special Service Craft for a maximum speed of 26 knots and will carry 10,000kg of deck payload at reduced speed. MBL’s technical partner for the newbuild is Volvo Penta of Sweden.

The vessel is arranged to feature a forward wheelhouse with KAB seating for three crew, a central helm position, bench seating for eight passengers, a galley, and access to twin berths in the port hull.

The hull is heavily fendered with upper and lower strakes as well as diagonals and quarter badging, taking into account the pilot boat like transfers of personnel and cargo that are to be carried out. A Palfinger PK10000M deck crane with 8.2m reach will be fitted aft, with all cargo secured to Euro pallets positioned on the 40m2 aft deck.

The vessel is being built at South Boats’ Medina Ship Yard at Cowes on the Isle of Wight as a turn key project which includes the supply of all equipment and certification for operations in Sweden. It is planned that this unique South Boats newbuild will make its debut on the floating pontoon at Seawork 2007.