VESSEL REVIEW | Eejeeya – Hybrid marina workboat for Neom development in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia-based urban developer Neom recently took delivery of a new hybrid all-aluminium workboat built in China by French-run shipbuilder ODC Marine.

Eejeeya will be operated out of Neom’s marina facilities on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. It will be used on a range of duties including operating as a service vessel for the superyachts owned by the marina’s clients.

“It aligns with Neom’s strategy regarding technological advancements and the reduction of environmental impact,” ODC Marine told Baird Maritime. “It is capable of operating in demanding environments, offers a high rating, and is also able to safely berth alongside superyachts without causing any damage.”

The builder said that, although measuring just under 12 metres (39 feet) long, the vessel nonetheless boasts a multifunctional design.

Compact yet versatile marina support craft

“It features hybrid propulsion, below-deck liquid cargo capacity, and on-deck solid cargo capacity for a combined total of five tons. Additional equipment includes a 300 kg capstan, a 250 kg-capacity jib crane, and a passenger shelter.

“Designed for a duty cycle of 1,500 hours per year, all these capabilities are ingeniously integrated into a highly constrained space.”

The propulsion setup consists of two FPT diesel engines that each deliver 243 kW (330 hp), two 20kW electric motors, and a 63kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack.

ODC Marine said that, in electric mode, the workboat can operate autonomously for three hours at a speed of 5.5 knots whereas when using diesel propulsion, it can achieve a top speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots under load.

“We have significantly reduced the acoustic impact of our electric propulsion,” said ODC Marine. “We worked on the transmission, pumps, and fans, and the result is spectacular—like being on a sailboat.”

The electronics suite meanwhile includes a chartplotter, a VHF radio with integrated GPS, and a radar from Simrad. The builder said the electronics ensure reliable performance and enhanced situational awareness for the crew.

“We have integrated our brand new monitoring system consisting of two touchscreens that centralise all of the boat's information and controls. This system is faster and offers more redundancy than our previous systems, and it is now our new standard for electric and hybrid vessels.”

Layout ensuring safe access during yacht transfers

The vessel also features two passenger benches covered with Flexiteek 2G synthetic teak decking; a 250kg capstan installed forward of the loading deck equipped with a roller on the transom; and a 300kg davit positioned on the aft port side.

The transom includes a special access designed specifically for yachts, while double rubber fender lines provide protection for the workboat when assisting yachts.

The wheelhouse is kept comfortable with the aid of a 10,000btu air conditioner, which also functions as a heater. Operating at 24 V, it can run either on the diesel engines' alternators or on the LFP battery pack when the boat is in electric mode.

The wheelhouse itself is slightly elevated just forward of the main cabin to provide the helm operator with improved visibility ahead and to port and starboard. This translates into enhanced situational awareness when manoeuvring alongside large yachts during transfers.

“Meeting the performance and comfort objectives required us to make very tight trade-offs in the integration of soundproofing solutions,” ODC Marine told Baird Maritime.

Nonetheless, the builder said it was able to ensure that the workboat aligned with Neom’s own goals, “with extremely strict requirements in terms of service quality, reliability, and environmental sustainability.”

“Neom is a rapidly developing and ambitious project that relies on proven solutions to meet its goals as quickly as possible,” the builder said. “ODC Marine’s experience in innovative propulsion systems, high-duty-cycle vessels, and simplified maintenance provided an effective response to Neom’s needs.”