Walker Marine Design & Mainprize unveil 33m Supa-SWATH CTV
Walker Marine Design (WMD) and Mainprize Offshore have revealed a new 33-metre Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) based on their semi-SWATH hull design, with the first two vessels currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027.
The Supa-SWATH design originated in 2015, with tank testing carried out in 2017 at the Haslar Ocean Basin. The hull form uses a semi-SWATH configuration – a hybrid between a conventional monohull and a Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull – intended to reduce wave-induced motion and improve stability in offshore sea conditions. Eight 26-metre vessels based on the design are currently in operation, with six more under construction at Strategic Marine.
The new 33-metre variant represents the second major iteration of the design, incorporating revised hull lines aimed at reducing hydrodynamic resistance. The increased dimensions – a 13-metre beam compared to the 26-metre version – allow for substantially greater carrying capacity: 63,800 litres of fuel oil, 20,100 litres of fresh water and 50 tonnes of deck cargo.
Accommodation has also been expanded, with six cabins, a dedicated crew mess, a changing room and passenger seating for up to 36 technicians. Propulsion comes from two Caterpillar C32B main engines driving twin four-blade controllable pitch propellers, giving a maximum speed of 30 knots.
James Walker, Principal Naval Architect at WMD, said the design had evolved considerably since the first vessel was built in 2018, with more than £3 million (€3.4 million) spent on research and development over 11 years.
“This perfectly complements our existing range of vessels and offers an all-in-one offshore platform with improved seakeeping, advanced transfer capabilities, enhanced welfare space and increased carrying capacity,” said Mainprize Offshore managing director Bob Mainprize.