3 minute read
Back to the future – Incat Crowther puts flexibility first
Back to the future
Inkanyamba, a 20m Monohull Workboat.
All images courtesy of Incat Crowther.
INCAT CROWTHER PUTS FLEXIBILITY FIRST WITH ITS CUSTOM-BUILT, FUTURE-PROOFED VESSELS.
Australian naval architect Incat Crowther is pairing cutting edge design with sustainable advances in 2020. In June of this year, the studio delivered Inkanyamba, a 20m Monohull Workboat, to the Armaments Corporation of South Africa (ARMSCOR). This came hot on the heels of its announcement that it has signed a contract for a pair of hybrid catamaran CTVs, designed in conjunction with Danish shipping company MHO-Co. The Incat Crowther 35s will use modern electric motors to save on weight, space and emissions for the benefit of the environment, as well as fuel economy in the offshore wind industry. The propulsion systems will be installed by Danfoss’ Editron, consisting of permanently magnetized electric motors that save both weight and space on the CTV while consuming less fuel and giving higher efficiency.
Hybrid packages Using a combination of direct drive and electric propulsion for maximum flexibility and significant redundancy, the two vessels will be an exercise in emissions reductions, including a zero-emissions mode. The newly developed hybrid propulsion packages are designed in such a way that they can be adapted at a later stage to run on future eco-friendly power generation technologies, such as hydrogen. “Designing and building hybrid CTVs is a huge step in the environmental direction, and I am proud that we at MHO-Co have found partners who share our vision for sustainable development in the offshore industry”, says MHO-Co CEO and founder, Mik Henriksen. “With these new vessels we still offer some of the largest and most reliable CTVs in the world, and they can be converted to future technologies.”
Renewable energy Under construction at AFAI Southern Shipyard, the two catamarans will enter service in mid-2021, operating under contract with Ørsted, a Danish multinational power company that develops, constructs and operates offshore and onshore
The Incat Crowther 35s will use modern electric motors to save on weight, space and emissions.
renewable energy. Incat Crowther’s vessels are scheduled to transport technicians and equipment to the offshore wind farm Hornsea 2 in the North Sea. Incat Crowther was selected by MHO-Co to develop the new generation of vessels following the two company’s successful collaboration with MHO Gurli and MHO Esbjerg. Incat Crowther’s expert knowledge of offshore catamarans will combine with MHO-Co’s insight and experience with CTVs to result in two unique, state-of-the-art vessels. Ed Dudson, Managing Director of Incat Crowther Europe says: “MHO-Co always push the boundaries when it comes to new vessels in the Offshore Wind Industry. These new 35m vessels are no different. It’s great to be working with Mik and his team again on the latest project, which will really bring hybrid technology to the fore.”
Offshore capability Built by Cape Town shipbuilder Veecraft Marine and also working offshore, Inkanyamba is the twelfth Incat Crowther vessel built by the South African shipyard in less than a decade. It will be tasked by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) with the transportation of personnel, equipment and support training activities in coastal waters up to 10 miles off the coast, often under inclement weather conditions. The vessel is designed in accordance with BV requirements and in compliance with flag state rules as defined by South African Maritime Authority (SAMSA) for Category C vessels. Key features include the aluminium vessel’s cargo deck, which can accommodate a 6m ISO container and is fitted with a 5t marine crane. A foldable dive platform is fitted aft of the transom along with stairs integrated into the main deck to provide safe access. A robust fendering system and heavy towing bollards also feature on each end of the vessel. With a service speed of 15 knots at a substantial deadweight load of 20 tonnes, the vessel is powered by two (2) MAN D2862 LE431 marine engines rated at 588kW @ 1,800 rpm driving Teignbridge fixed pitch propellers through ZF 2050 gearboxes.
