26m Typhoon Class SWATH

The 26m Typhoon Class SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) CTV was designed by Ad Hoc Marine Deigns Ltd and built at LTS in Taiwan. Ad Hoc Marine Designs Ltd. describe themselves as ‘well known for their design range of all things novel and high speed. From concept to delivery, proven designers of: high-speed passenger ferries, patrol boats, SAR, CTVs etc’. LTS has more than 30 years of building high quality cost effective aluminium vessels in the Asian market.

The 26m CTV SWATH is an all-aluminium light weight robust & durable construction to BV class and MCA regulations and is based upon the experience of previously proven SWATH hull designs. It is uniquely designed to satisfy both slow speed and loitering operations at the turbine as well as high speed. This unique hull form satisfies these two competing requirements that resulted in an advanced SWATH hull form with 20% increase in displacement, 50% reduced coupling and 20% increased damping without sacrificing resistance. It has been tailored for the demands of the Windfarm market. Designed to run in Hs = 2.0m at service speeds of 25 knots without any speed restrictions or uncomfortable motions that is associated with conventional vessels.

The operational role is enhanced by an Island Engineering Motion control system that reduces seasickness, fatigue and vessel downtime to a minimum annually. It also features an advanced zero-speed heave dampening mode that significantly reduces heave when at idle or stationery at the tower.

She is driven by two Man D2862 LE 466 diesel engines rated at 1029 kW IMO Tier 2, EPA Tier 3 compliant with a simple lift out from engine room via a hatch on the main deck. Each engine drives a Centa carbon fibre shaft to minimise weight coupled to a heavy duty Hundested CPP propeller.

Since operations began, MCS SWATH 1 has successfully transferred technicians in the North Sea and continues to do so with ease. MCS Managing Director, Menno Kuyt, said: “MCS SWATH’s Captain reported a transfer height of 2.15m Hs or 3.2m max wave height with only 65% of engine power and the bow of MCS SWATH 1 did not move in these conditions. When approaching the turbine the motion control fins are put on zero speed mode which is a great help for the Captain as motion of MCS SWATH 1 is minimal”.

Regarding the vessel’s performance at the wind farm, Kuyt added: “Whilst sailing in sea conditions of 2.5m Hs there is no motion or slamming, cruising speed is maintained at 20-22′ and we’ve had no reports of passengers being seasick despite the rough conditions we have been in. Moreover, MCS SWATH 1 has been in operation for about 6 weeks and there have been zero days lost due to breakdowns”.

By Jake Frith