Global digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther has been commissioned by Baku Shipyard to design three new bespoke steel crew boats for an offshore energy services operator in Azerbaijan. The new 42-metre DP2 fast crew boats will support offshore energy support operations in the Caspian Sea, with construction now under way at Baku Shipyard.
Capable of speeds of up to 22 knots, the new vessels are designed specifically for fast deployment across multiple offshore sites in the Caspian Sea. Each vessel is tailored to pre-existing offshore infrastructure to allow for the efficient and safe transfer of crew.
Incat Crowther designed the propulsion system specifically for robustness, high-displacement capability and low fuel burn by utilising a drivetrain of four newly developed MAN D3872 workboat engines paired with Hamilton HT810 waterjets. The vessels are designed to accommodate a Walk2Work gangway which allows the fleet to dock and begin transferring crew to offshore energy infrastructure in less than one minute.
The next-generation fleet features a range of design improvements the current fleet of crew boats including quad propulsion engines, dynamic positioning control and a revised hull form to allow for easier access to docking infrastructure.
Capable of transporting up to 50 service personnel in safety and comfort, the multi-functional vessels also boast a large 120m2 aft deck that can transport up to 20 tonnes of deck cargo. The vessels’ air-conditioned passenger cabin includes a large luggage area, two bathrooms and a medical room. Eight crew are accommodated in comfort on the lower deck, which also features a crew mess and galley. The vessels’ large wheelhouse provides the captain a 360-degree operational view, while a rescue boat is also housed on the vessels’ upper deck.
Incat Crowther Technical Manager, Dan Mace said: “Our team of naval architects worked closely with the customer on the design of this new fleet of vessels to ensure it builds on the capability and performance of crew boats already in operation. As part of this process, our team listened to the requirements while drawing upon our extensive experience of designing vessels for the Caspian Sea region to ensure these new vessels are tailored to local conditions and infrastructure.”
Sea trials for the first vessel in the new fleet are expected in 2026.