SAFEHAVEN LAUNCH WILDCAT 53 SURVEY / VIP CREW TRANSFER CATAMARAN FOR KING ABDULLAH PORT IN SAUDI ARA
Safehaven Marine have launched another of their Wildcat 53 catamarans, this time destined for King Abdullah Port in Saudi Arabia. This is the 6th Wildcat 53 built by Safehaven with the design proving very successful. The hull features high buoyancy bows and a high bridge deck providing excellent seakeeping and rough weather capabilities as well as economy and load carrying capabilities. Powered by a pair Volvo D16 engines rated at 750hp and Twin Disc 5145SC gearboxes , the vessel achieved 24kts on sea trials and has a 30,000kg fully loaded displacement. Conventional sterngear was chosen for its dependability and low maintenance as well as economy at medium speeds. The vessel has been specifically designed and outfitted for hydrographic research and survey roles as well as VIP crew transfer and harbour duties in the maritime waters off the coast of King Abdullah Port, as such the vessel features an ‘Island’ wheelhouse configuration with a raised helm / navigation position which is fitted with a full array of Raymarine navigation equipment centred around multiple C127 colour displays for radar, plotter and sounders. The cabin design allows for a high degree of crew safety with, safe secure bulwarks all round. A large bow working area and a spacious aft deck which features a wide transom gate fitted with a hydraulic tilting ‘A’ frame, allowing sonar and research equipment to be deployed safely of the transom and easily recovered. Twin dive platforms provide waterline access. The working area is fitted with twin 1,500kg hydraulic winch. In addition the vessel is fitted with a moon pool positioned in her aft deck, and fitted with Safehaven’s own proven design of multi-beam sonar transducer deployment system, allowing transducers to be quickly interchanged and lowered hydraulically to below keel line. This means the valuable transducers can be raised up to above deck during transits and when not in use. A HIAB 029T3 hydraulic slewing crane facilitates working on deck and cargo transfer. Her accommodation features a fully equipped galley in the port hull and a heads and locker area in the st/bd hull. Her main cabin comprises a large hydrographic work benche / chart table incorporating computer racking underneath and computer screens on top. Aircraft style comfortable seating for 12 passengers when in crew transfer roles is provided.
The vessel has been designed for very hot climates and as such has an insulated cabin and is fitted with 4x 27,000 btu air-conditioning units , her over 100,000btu of air-conditioning is over specked but should easily ensure efficient cooling, and a comfortable living area for her crew in the often extreme temperatures encountered in this region, witch can become close to 50 degrees in summer months. An 18kw Westerbeeke AC generator supplies power to the air con units as well as AC power throughout the vessels accommodation and working areas. The delivery of KAP vessel follows on from a hydrographic survey vessel delivered to KISR in Kuwait last year. Safehaven have amassed a great deal of expertise in this specialised field.
