VESSEL REVIEW | Njord Zenith – BMT’s new crewboat for Njord Offshore

BMT's latest 27-metre crew transfer vessel (CTV), designed for Njord Offshore, has successfully completed sea trials, reaching a top speed of 27 knots. Njord Zenith is the first of two sisters built to a BMT design in China.

For the owner, this meant increased cargo capacity, bunker capacity, foredeck size and window size compared with its previous newbuilds.

This vessel is the first CTV designed by BMT that utilises a highly efficient Z-bow hull form. This hull form gives added waterline length resulting in improved high-speed performance during transit, yet optimised zero-speed seakeeping performance, minimising the unwanted vertical buoyancy forces that may otherwise be experienced during push-up operations in head seas.

To ensure the best performance can be achieved during these transfer operations, the vessel utilises BMT's "active fender system" and is propelled by quad Volvo IPS 900s, to ensure speed performance, high bollard pull and manoeuvrability.

With a maximum fuel bunkering capacity of 52,000 litres or a combined cargo/fuel capacity deadweight of up to 50 tonnes, the vessel has the capacity to transport up to 24 offshore personnel and includes an innovative bridge design with full height front window for improved fore deck visibility, as well as docking whilst transporting containers.

Crew comfort is assured with deep-reclining luxury passenger seating with shock mitigation, additional sofa-style seating and communal table area, and three LCD TVs with DVD for entertainment. Bunks are provided for 10 crew, with changing area and drying storage area, two WCs and two showers, plus a full galley.