The newly established Danish company SWORC has signed with Tuco Marine to begin construction of the first of its special purpose shallow water oil recovery vessels, dubbed SWORC (shallow water oil recovery catamaran), designed by Knud E Hansen.
This six-metre catamaran incorporates several features enabling it to operate effectively in as little as 35cm water depth. The SWORC employs proven oil recovery equipment that is operated by a crew of two. The working area of the vessel, some six by three metres, provides an ideal platform for undertaking oil recovery operations.
To enable a strategic approach to oil recovery and protection the SWORC is transportable by lorry within its own 20-foot shipping container and also by car on its own road-legal trailer.
This allows for both tactical placement in locations along coastlines that would otherwise be unprotected, and rapid mobilisation to locations where road transit is possible. Launching is possible by small crane, boat ramp or straight off the beach.
The SWORC was designed to operate in difficult working environments with limited access, extensive shallow waterways or remote areas where a self-contained solution is the only option.
The extreme shallow water capability gives the potential to avoid highly expensive and environmentally disastrous contamination of coastal lowlands and other sensitive ecosystems.
Tuco has been selected as the producer for the first SWORC, largely due to their experience in production with composite materials. SWORC was designed according to Lloyds Register Special Service Craft.