SWATH PROPOSAL

Intro to SWATH
SWATH is the acronym for Small
Waterplane Area Twin Hull

Innovative hull concept for smooth service in

rough seas
Submerged torpedo-like bodies connected to
the upper platform by single or twin struts.
Cross-section at sea surface level is
minimized, only a small volume of the ship is
exposed to the lifting forces of the waves.

DESIGN COMPARISON
MONOHULL

CATAMARAN

SWATH

CATAMARAN

A comparison of the waterline area of a

Monohull, Catamaran and SWATH hull

MONOHULL

SWATH

A comparison of stability of a Monohull,

Catamaran and SWATH hull in high seas

SWATH Hull Forms

Seakeeping

Typical Hull Form Comparisons

Seakeeping

Why a SWATH?

Typical Oil & Gas Crew Transfer Vessels

The Technical Requirements Are Generally:
1. To Carry 50 - 150 Passengers;
2. To Undertake 5 - 20 tonnes of Deck Cargo;
3. Fast - High Speed.
Monohulls Speeds are roughly 20 - 25 knots.
Catamarans Speeds are roughly 25 - 35knots.
However, Both Vessels Suffer Badly When the Sea
State Increases, with Problems Concerning Crew
Fatigue and Motion Sickness.

Conventional FCB
i. Safety Performance
Risky crew transfer methodology via swing rope
near the boat propeller. Various incidents recorded
over the past twenty (20) years during crew transfer.
Crew transfer is only possible at wave height of less
than two (2) meters which leads to unproductive
waiting time, delayed crew change-out, frustration
among crews, delay project and maintenance
schedule, costly standby rates and other losses.
Slow response and actions to man-overboard
rescue situation which is unsafe during adverse
weather condition due to the structure of the FCB

Slow and risky evacuation method using liferaft

Crew transfer injuries and fatalities by year from 1993 to 2013.

Source: Reflex Marine Database, 30-Jul-13

Conventional FCB
ii. Operational Performance
Conventional FCBs are unable to operate at sustainable speed as they are dependent on
sea state / weather conditions. For example, a FCB which has a prescribed speed capability
of 20 knots could not attain the 20-knots speed for the entire journey. Most of the time, the
FCB cruises at (e.g.) average speed of 15-knots. This diminishes the price differentiation
between FCBs of different speed, meaning, a 22-knot FCB with a higher DCR might
perform at the same speed of a 20-knot FCB.
iii. Reliability
Since the FCB's performance is dependent on weather condition, conventional FCBs only
record 65% vessel up-time.
iv. Comfort
The structure or design of the conventional FCBs is such that they are less agile in bad
weather conditions and this often causes seasickness among the passengers who will not
be able to commence theirjob offshore immediately, resulting in lost of manhours.
The conventional FCBs have limited space and basic amenities on board.

Why a SWATH?
Outstanding Safety, Operational performance, Reliability and Comfort
Proven Design and Capabilities, even for North Sea Harsh Environments;

Able to Travel/Perform in Adverse Weather Conditions;

Have less than 10% downtime annually;
Crew Transfer by SWATH can be carried out in up to 4 metres Wave Height,
whereas by Conventional Fast Crew Boats (FCBs), there is a
restriction/limitation with Wave Height of less than 2 metres.
Reduces the Costs of Transporting Personnel by Helicopter and the Risks
Involved;

Why a SWATH?
In terms of safety assessment, qualitative factors are of equal weight to the
quantitative factors
SWATH FCB offers distinct cost advantage and significant intangible benefits

What Can a SWATH

Offer?

Summary of SWATH Benefits

Extraordinary seaworthiness, superior seakeeping
Efficient operation through unique geometry, structure, and
hydrodynamics
Low periods of motion, innovative hull concept for smooth service in
rough seas
Light, economic, and user-friendly ship

Ability to station keeping in sea state 5 (seas rough, waves 2.5 - 4m)
Ability to patrol in sea state 6 and survive in sea state 8 (seas very rough,
waves over 10m)

Very low crew fatigue at extended periods of operation in rough seas

Recommendations
SWATH to be used as Crew Transfer vessel from Supply Base to
Offshore Platforms;
To Promote SWATH as the Cost-Effective of Method of Reducing
Dependency on Helicopter Crew Transfers;
Can also be Utilised for Inter-Field Crew Transfer Vessel;

Target area of deployment is within 4-5 hours travelling time, i.e

within 180 nm from shore;
Use of Heave Compensated Gangway or bow transfer system

OUR PROPOSAL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG99amkJZQY

VESTERA can offer the following:

Design and build
Offshore Support
Vessel using our
SWATH design, or on
lease basis against firm
long term contract
Creation of a design to
a fixed budget, weight
and a fixed time scale
Conceptual design,
hydrodynamics,
structures, weight
estimates, powering
Technology transfer to
local yard

Our Partner in Business

Design Build Support

High Speed Ferries
Para-Military Vessels
Specialist Craft

26th Floor Menara MAXIS

Kuala Lumpur City Center
50088 Kuala Lumpur
+603 2615 2755
+603 2615 2699
admin@vestera.com.my
capt.imran@vestera.com.my
www.vestera.com.my