Austal USA has secured an order for the construction of two 45.7 metre aluminium crew supply vessels to operate in the Gulf of Mexico. The vessels are of monohull design and have an operating speed of 26 knots. Two forward cabins on the main deck provide comfortable airline style seating for 80 passengers (rig crew). The vessels will be powered by 4 x Cummins KTA 38 M1 diesel engines (1000 hp) driving Hamilton 571 waterjets through Reintjes WVS 430/1 reversing gearboxes. The waterjets provide good station keeping and manoeuvring whilst crew/cargo transfer takes place.

Austal USA’s Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Chris Pemberton, said they were extremely excited to win such a contract not simply because of how important it is to the start of the new yard, but also because these vessels will be able to demonstrate the applicability of aluminium vessel construction to the booming offshore supply industry. The knock-on effects could be significant and not just in the US region.

With a strong level of interest generated locally by the prominent 360ft x 93ft x 72ft construction hall sitting on the Mobile River, in downtown Mobile, Austal USA will celebrate its official yard opening on 16 February 2001.