Carpentaria Marine Services, a marine service provider based in northern Australia, is growing its fleet by commissioning Incat Crowther to design a new multi-purpose offshore support vessel. Construction has started at Richardson Devine Marine’s shipyard in Hobart, Australia. This new vessel will operate across northern and eastern Australia, including areas like Cape York and the Gulf of Carpentaria.

The vessel will be used for various tasks such as marine construction, diving operations, underwater surveying, and remotely operated vehicle missions. It is expected to be operational by 2026.

This 37-metre vessel will enhance Carpentaria Marine’s fleet of specialized vessels and follows the success of Strait Shooter 1, a 28-metre workboat that was designed and delivered in 2010 by Incat Crowther and Richardson Devine Marine.

Equipped with two Cummins QSK50 engines, the vessel is designed for long-term operations in remote areas. It has a sturdy hull suited for offshore work and can hold 68,000 liters of fuel and 24,500 liters of water. The vessel can reach speeds of up to 24 knots and features a large aft deck. It is enhanced with twin bow thrusters for better station-keeping. In addition, it can carry up to four 20-foot containers, a 15-tonne A-Frame winch, a knuckle boom crane also capable of lifting 15 tonnes, a workshop locker room, and a moonpool for survey activities.

The accommodation spreads over three decks and provides sleeping and service areas for a crew of 28 in ten cabins. The upper deck contains two officers’ quarters with bathrooms, study and lounge areas, plus the ship’s bridge. On the main deck, there is a wet room, a galley, a pantry, a mess area, a large lounge, the owner’s cabin, and three crew cabins, all equipped with bathrooms. The hull deck features four crew cabins, each sleeping four with an additional four bathrooms.

Vance Wallin, Managing Director of Carpentaria Marine, stated, “After the success of Strait Shooter 1, it was logical to partner with Incat Crowther and Richardson Devine Marine again as our fleet expands. We are confident that Incat Crowther will help us realize our vision for a state-of-the-art, industry-leading multi-purpose offshore vessel.”

Sam Mackay, Technical Manager at Incat Crowther, added, “Our team has collaborated closely with Carpentaria Marine to enhance this vessel's capabilities to fulfill a wider variety of mission needs. This allows the company to broaden its operations and services in the Australian maritime sector. It also highlights Incat Crowther’s ability to design and manufacture domestically, with the vessel being designed and built in Australia.”

For more information about Incat Crowther's experience in designing offshore support vessels and workboats, visit their official website.