Massachusetts-based Patriot Offshore Maritime Services has taken delivery of a new catamaran crewboat built by local company Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding.
Patriot Leader was designed to be capable of year-round operation, providing transfer services for up to 24 technicians plus cargo to and from offshore wind turbines off the US East Coast. Design work on the crewboat was undertaken in compliance to both US Coast Guard Subchapter L and Lloyd’s Register Special Service Craft rules.
The all-aluminium catamaran has an LOA of 88.5 feet (27 metres), a beam of 29.5 feet (8.99 metres), a draught of 5.6 feet (1.7 metres), and four Scania DI16 US EPA Tier III diesel engines that each produce 788 hp (588 kW) at 2,100 rpm and drive Hamilton HM521 waterjets via ZF 665 reverse reduction gearboxes. The propulsion setup delivers a maximum speed of 29 knots.
Humphree interceptors meanwhile ensure a more stable ride thanks to their automatic trim optimisation feature. The superstructure is fitted on resilient mounts to help minimise occupant fatigue while underway.
The spacious foredeck can accommodate cargo with a maximum total volume equivalent to that of two 20-foot ISO containers, though the aft deck can also be used to transport smaller additional payloads. Cargo can be loaded and unloaded with the aid of a hydraulic knuckle boom crane with a maximum lifting capacity of 14.3 tonnes and a reach of 8.1 metres (27 feet).
Space is also available for cargo tanks with a total capacity of 6,800 gallons (26,000 litres) for storing fuel to be used by the auxiliary generators fitted on some offshore wind turbines. Transfer of this fuel cargo to the turbines' generators will be via onboard fuel pumps and a hose.
A specialised fendering system from RG Seasight meanwhile helps protect the vessel's hull when performing crew transfers at turbines via the bow.
The catamaran hulls each consist of four watertight compartments that include a lounge and two staterooms for the crew. The facilities on the main deck meanwhile include a galley, a lounge, two toilets with showers, and a locker in addition to the passenger/technician seating area. On the upper deck are the wheelhouse and two additional crew staterooms.
The interiors are kept comfortable with the aid of a 144,000btu air conditioner. The electronics suite includes two Furuno radars and a Reygar vessel monitoring system that keeps track of the performance data of the engines and the waterjets as well as fuel levels. Power for these and the onboard systems is supplied by two Kohler 55kW US EPA Tier III generators located in the separate engine rooms.
| Patriot Leader | |
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Type of vessel: | Crewboat |
| Classification: | Lloyd's Register; US Coast Guard Subchapter L |
| Owner: | Patriot Offshore Maritime Services, USA |
| Builder: | Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, USA |
| Hull construction material: | Aluminium |
| Superstructure construction material: | Aluminium |
| Deck construction material: | Aluminium |
| Length overall: | 88.5 feet (27 metres) |
| Beam: | 29.5 feet (8.99 metres) |
| Draught: | 5.6 feet (1.7 metres) |
| Main engines: | 4 x Scania DI16, each 788 hp (588 kW) at 2,100 rpm |
| Gearboxes: | 2 x ZF 665 |
| Propulsion: | 2 x Hamilton HM521 waterjets |
| Generators: | 2 x Kohler, each 55 kW |
| Maximum speed: | 29 knots |
| Radars: | 2 x Furuno |
| Monitoring system: | Reygar Barefleet |
| Fendering: | RG Seasight |
| Other equipment installed: | Humphree interceptors |
| Interior fitout: | Air conditioner; toilets |
| Type of fuel: | Diesel |
| Accommodation: | Staterooms; galley; lounges |
| Passengers: | 24 |
| Operational area: | US East Coast |