Supacat Multi-purpose Vessel 24 unveiled to defence and security market

Supacat is unveiling the Supacat Multi-purpose Vessel 24 (SMV24) to the defence and security market at DSEi. Launched to the wider marine and renewable energy sectors in July, the SMV24 is a new concept in support vessel design, which also has the potential to perform a range of defence and security related roles. Its flexibility, high speed and high payload have already attracted interest from potential operators in the sector.

The SMV24 is a fine entry catamaran that can achieve speeds up to 30 knots and has a range up to 790nm. In the present configuration, the 24 metre vessel can carry up to 12 additional passengers and up to 30 tonnes of cargo simultaneously. However, the flexibility of the design allows for adaptation to meet alternative and emerging roles.

The first SMV24 is under construction and will be completed later this year. It was developed by Supacat to support the new generation of far offshore wind farms which require it to operate up to 150 nm from a safe haven.

"Since launching the SMV24 into the marine and renewable energy markets it has generated interest from military users for a number of different roles, hence our decision to exhibit it at DSEi. Supacat has a strong brand in defence, which differentiates our offering in this segment of the market", said Jamie Clarke, Head of Marketing & Communications.

Supacat has built a global reputation as the developer of high mobility vehicles, such its HMT series - the vehicle of choice for elite special forces and best known as `Jackal` and `Coyote` in service with British Armed Forces. Over the last decade the company has successfully applied the company's innovation and engineering skills to develop products in the adjacent marine and renewables sectors for customers, including the RNLI and Fred Olsen.

The SMV24's multi-role performance is based on a revolutionary deck system boasting a through-deck and an integrated rail system running the length of the vessel. This allows a range of equipment for different roles to be installed, such as ISO containers, a deck crane or diving rig. The deck can carry up to 50ft of ISO containers in a variety of 20ft and 10ft sizes.

For the SMV24 project Supacat selected a team with strong pedigrees in the marine sector. Naval architects Incat Crowther translated Supacat's SMV 24 concept into a detailed design and established boat builder, Mustang Marine (Wales) Ltd, is building the first vessel. DNV advised on classification. The SMV24 will meet DNV 1A1 HSLC R1 Windfarm Service Vessel Class 1 and be UK MCA SCV Code (MGN280) Category 1.

The ISO compatibility of the through deck allows the SMV24 to perform multiple roles including infrastructure support, diving, survey, fuel transport, workshop, refrigeration, general cargo, passenger transport, Remotely Operated Vehicle support by using ISO compatible modular custom loads. The rapid loading of these alternative ISO modules extend the functionality of the SMV 24 further.

Interestingly, the inspiration for this functionality came from defence where Supacat has witnessed such modularity in use for military logistic operations.

The SMV24 is a catamaran based design constructed from marine grade aluminium with double bottom to ensure maximum survivability. Two MAN D2862 LE463 engines each coupled to a Servogear Controllable Pitch Propeller give greater control of thrust throughout the rev range and maximise fuel economy. Significant redundancy has been built into the electrical system to fulfil specific customer requirements and the two generators fitted are capable of powering all the vessel systems individually.