Offshore crew transfer at over 50 knots

The 35-metre crew vessel uses surface or ground effect, a technology seen in the current generation of Formula 1 cars, to allow for much faster speeds over water without increasing the environmental impact.

The first Surface Effect Ship (SES) has been delivered to AES in a contract that is part of an ongoing collaboration with AIRCAT Vessels, ESNA – Espeland and Skomedal Naval Architects and AES to make the 35-metre vessel designed specifically for crew transfer operations a reality.

According to Strategic Marine the vessel reaches speeds of over 50 knots and offers seamless offshore transfers in challenging sea conditions of up to 2.5 metres while also ensuring reduce emissions.

“This vessel represents a significant leap forward in comfort, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, and we look forward to further expanding our capabilities of building SES vessels in the years to come. Our ongoing partnership with AIRCAT and ESNA has been instrumental in making this vision a reality, and we anticipate continued success as we push the boundaries of what’s possible in crew transfer operations,” said Chan Eng Yew, CEO of Strategic Marine.

The company says the vessel offers very low noise and vibration with reduced motions while underway due to its active air cushion.

There have been a number of attempts to commercialise surface effect technology in vessels such as wing-in-ground effect craft, which look more like an aircraft, but they have not entered into mainstream operations.