NMDC Logistics takes delivery of Strategic Marine crew boats

The vessels’ Z-Bow hull cuts resistance by more than 8%.

Singapore-based Strategic Marine (S) Pte. Ltd. has delivered two 42-metre fourth-generation fast crew boats to support offshore oil and gas operations in the Middle East, as demand rises for vessels that can move workers safely and efficiently between shore and offshore sites.

The vessels were delivered to United Arab Emirates-based NMDC Logistics & Technical Services, the marine and equipment arm of the NMDC Group, which is expanding beyond oil and gas into industrial and construction work.

“Their primary role is fast crew transportation between shore bases, offshore platforms, and field installations, ensuring safe and reliable personnel transfer in demanding operating conditions,” Naseem Freihat, business development manager for the Middle East and Africa at Strategic Marine, told Marine and Industrial Report.

Strategic Marine worked with Thailand’s Prima Marine Public Co. Ltd. to build the vessels, whilst the design was developed by Australia-based Southerly Designs Pty. Ltd. to suit offshore conditions in the region.

One of the key upgrades in the Gen 4 model is its Z-Bow hull design, which Freihat said improves how the vessel moves through waves.

“The Z-Bow increases the vessel’s waterline length… and reduces pitching and slamming,” he said in an emailed reply to questions. “This lowers resistance in real offshore sea states, cuts fuel consumption and allows the vessel to maintain service speed more efficiently.”

Strategic Marine said the hull cuts resistance by more than 8% compared with the previous generation. Freihat added that the design performs better both during transit and whilst operating in offshore fields, reducing power demand and lowering operating costs.

The vessel’s propulsion and machinery layout keeps engines running closer to their most efficient range. This improves fuel use, cuts wear and lowers long-term maintenance costs.

Each 42-metre vessel can carry as many as 80 people and reaches speeds above 30 knots, or about 55.6 kilometres per hour. At service speed, its three-engine setup uses about 827 litres of fuel per hour. Seating can be adjusted to support pure crew transport or mixed crew and cargo work.

A gyro stabiliser helps reduce rolling, improving comfort and safety during crew transfers and when holding position offshore, Freihat said.

The boats can also be adapted for light cargo work, offshore support, standby duties and patrol roles. Their deck layout lets operators switch between missions rather than using multiple specialised vessels

“The hybrid system allows low-speed or standby operations to be carried out more efficiently,” Freihat said, adding that it can cut fuel use, emissions, noise and engine hours.

Strategic Marine said it plans to roll out more fuel-efficient and flexible vessel designs next year, with greater focus on hybrid systems and alternative propulsion as offshore operators tighten cost and environmental targets.