VESSEL REVIEW | JCAT Hibiki II – Catamaran crewboat to support Japan’s offshore wind sector
Japanese operator Tokyo Kisen has taken delivery of the first vessel in a new series of bespoke catamaran crewboats that will service Japan's offshore wind energy sector.
The NK-classed JCAT Hibiki II and its yet unnamed sister have been developed to comply with strict local regulations. The design of the crewboats has been future-proofed, with each vessel to begin its operational life carrying 12 technicians but with the flexibility to increase its capacity to 24 as Japan’s regulatory framework evolves.
Enhanced accommodation and safety features
The new crewboat has an LOA of 26.4 metres (86.6 feet), a beam of nine metres (30 feet), a hull draught of only 1.5 metres (4.9 feet), and a depth of 3.85 metres (12.6 feet). Space is also available for four crewmembers.
The main deck features a large mess area, two toilets and an internal storage and change area. Technicians are carried in safety and comfort thanks to a resiliently mounted superstructure.
Located on the upper deck is an elevated, spacious wheelhouse as well as a private mess and pantry. The lower decks meanwhile contain two twin cabins, a workshop space, and a utility room.
The crewboat's operational capabilities are enhanced by the inclusion of a specialised bow design that reduces impact forces when the vessel is at offshore wind turbine boat landings. This feature also helps ensure a high transfer wave height, permitting transfers to and from wind turbines to be undertaken within a broader safety window.
A large forward deck meanwhile provides a dedicated space for transporting cargo to offshore wind farms.
Propulsion optimised for high transit speeds
Two Yanmar 12AYW-WET diesel engines that each produce 1,220 kW (1,640 hp) at 1,900 rpm drive Servogear controllable-pitch propellers to deliver a top speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 25 knots. The engines are fed by fuel tanks with a total capacity of 25,400 litres (5,590 gallons).
Tank capacities for freshwater and sullage and 2,500 litres (550 gallons) and 2,000 litres (440 gallons), respectively.
