This diesel-electric hybrid-powered catamaran harbour patrol craft was very carefully and creatively designed for service in one of the world's busiest harbours, Singapore.
Impressively practical and versatile, the aluminium craft exhibits several innovative ideas that will ensure its value as a long-term investment for the taxpayers of the "Island State".
"The craft manages to deliver the strategic operational capabilities required by its users for patrol operations, whilst employing a hybrid propulsion setup that significantly reduces its carbon footprint," Martin Bissuel, head of Sales Commercial Maritime at BMT, told Baird Maritime.
"It features an advanced hybrid-electric system. In full-electric, zero-emission mode, it can cruise silently at six knots for up to three hours. In a diesel-electric mode, it can achieve continuous medium speed operation."
Bissuel said that in the latter mode, power is drawn from one of the main engines to propel both shafts while recharging the batteries. This mode offers significant emissions reductions as well as reduced wear and tear on the engines. In conventional diesel-mechanical mode, the vessel can run at a top speed of close to 27 knots to fulfil operational needs.
"The patrol vessel also satisfies important search and rescue (SAR) capability requirements. The BMT team, together with the Marine and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) Singapore and the shipyard, collaborated closely to ensure that all the key operational requirements would be fulfilled."
The vessel provides accommodation for up to 24 survivors as well as a state-of-the-art wheelhouse designed specifically to suit MPA's operational requirements. IT can also be operated in a command-and-control role during multi-vessel operations, as well as serve as a first responder platform in a wide variety of missions.
Further extending the vessel's rescue capabilities is a seven-metre-long, fast rigid inflatable rescue boat, mated with a bespoke launch and recovery system (LARS) that was jointly developed by BMT and the yard.
"The vessel delivers a wide range of capabilities whilst including a new hybrid propulsion architecture," said Bissuel. "The main challenge has therefore been to integrate the systems in a way that enables the users to carry out their duties as efficiently as possible.
"The BMT team, together with MPA and the shipyard, cooperated very closely on every element of the vessel. This collaborative and open approach has proven invaluable on such an innovative project."
Bissuel added that BMT prioritises the reduction of carbon emissions, having recognised it as a trend presently impacting the naval architecture industry.
"We look at every aspect of the vessels we design in order to reduce emissions," he told Baird Maritime. "We work closely with propulsion providers including those from overseas to integrate the latest technologies such as hybrid propulsion, all-electric propulsion, or alternative fuels. We also look at the vessels holistically, optimising them for particular operations and developing the most efficient hull forms."
Bissuel said there is a strong focus on reducing the carbon footprint of vessels, which is mandated not only by regulators but also by vessel operators wishing to provide their customers with clean and environmentally-friendly design solutions.
The year 2022 proved to be fruitful one for BMT, as Bissuel explains.
"Over the previous year, we achieved great business momentum across our highly diversified specialised ship design portfolio, which overall has reflected the sustained market demand for naval architecture and marine design consultancy capability. What makes us unique is the sheer diversity of our portfolio. No two projects are the same, and we apply our broad skills and knowledge to deliver innovative solutions within each of our designs."
Bissuel said BMT remains optimistic for the remainder of this year.
"As an independent designer, we are fortunate that we operate in a broad range of sectors," he told Baird Maritime. "These include wind farm vessels, ferries, oil and gas vessels, yachts, patrol vessels, landing craft, and naval ships. Across the board, our pipeline is full with very exciting projects featuring new vessels packed with innovation."
For a list of the 2022 "Best Of" award winners, please click here.