Washington-based Platypus Marine has signed a Letter of Intent with Dutch shipbuilding group Damen Shipyards for the construction of a new Jones-Act compliant Fast Crew Supply (FCS) vessel.
The vessel will be built on specifications based on Damen’s FCS2710 design.
The FCS 2710, unveiled in 2018, has replaced the FCS 2610, retaining the twin, axe bow hull design but being both one metre longer and higher.
This means that the FCS 2710 can be used in weather conditions with a wave height of over two metres, significantly increasing the operational window. The FCS 2710 also offers additional deck space, more tank capacity, and additional accommodation, according to Damen.
The FCS can carry 26 passengers in its standard configuration, as well as offer more flexibility, more tank capacity, greater usable deck space, and increased comfort, Damen said.
The design is in service with operators of crew transfer vessels in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
At the end of last year, offshore service provider, High Speed Transfers (HST) Marine, signed a contract with Damen Shipyards for the supply of three FSC2710 vessels.