VESSEL REVIEW | Uniwise Commander – Thai crewboat combines semi-SWATH and trimaran configurations

Thai operator Uniwise Offshore has introduced the locally-built trimaran crewboat Uniwise Commander to support personnel transportation to Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production’s offshore facilities in the Gulf of Thailand.

The aluminium vessel was built by Marsun and developed jointly with Uniwise Offshore and Chevron. She is the first trimaran vessel in Thailand that has been deployed to transport personnel in support of the offshore petroleum industry.

The design of Uniwise Commander combines a large passenger complement with high-speed transit and features intended to reduce vessel motion during transfers and while underway.

The Bureau Veritas-classed crewboat has an LOA of 38 metres (120 feet), a length between perpendiculars of 32.2 metres (106 feet), a beam of 12.6 metres (41.3 feet), a depth of six metres (20 feet), and a draught of three metres (10 feet). Gross tonnage is 358, net tonnage is 107 and deadweight is 133.

Hybrid hull configuration for smoother high-speed transits

The three-hull arrangement incorporates a semi-SWATH hull form and motion-damping foils. Chevron said the hydrofoil system reduces water resistance and improves speed and stability. The company described the semi-SWATH hull form as reducing wave impact, with the vessel designed for personnel transfers in significant wave heights of up to 2.5 metres (8.2 feet).

Marsun said the vessel’s three-hull layout adds deck space, limits vessel motion and improves stability, allowing personnel and their equipment to be transported together.

Highly-responsive waterjet propulsion

Three Baudouin four-stroke, 16-cylinder engines each provide 1,545 kW (2,070 hp) at 1,800 rpm. The engines drive three waterjets to deliver speeds of up to 34 knots. Fuel capacity is 57.87 cubic metres (15,290 gallons).

Auxiliary electrical power is supplied by two diesel generator each rated 51 kW. Bureau Veritas classed the vessel with I Hull Mach symbols, light ship and fast crewboat service notations, and a sea area 3 navigation notation.

Enhanced comfort and visibility

The interior was designed for passenger comfort, with 90 business class-style seats and a panoramic view spanning 270 degrees. A night vision camera system is also fitted.

Chevron expects that the vessel will reduce travel time by up to 30 per cent compared with conventional crewboats used for its offshore personnel transfers.

Marsun said fast trimaran crewboats can take the place of helicopters on selected offshore missions. The builder remarked that carrying both personnel and equipment together in larger volumes can reduce operating costs per trip and allow servicing to continue without depending on aviation infrastructure.

Chevron’s offshore personnel are stationed at Benchamas, North Pailin and South Pailin. The vessel’s assignment is to transport personnel along routes connecting shoreside bases to offshore facilities within Uniwise’s established regional operation.