Highly capable landing craft to support Polar Research Ship

Incat Crowther announced the launch of Incat Crowther 14 Terror. Terror will play a critical role in the operations of RRS Sir David Attenborough, which, in addition to its scientific role, will support the resupply of the five Antarctic research stations operated by the British Antarctic Survey.

The monohull landing craft will be one of two support craft on the polar research ship RRS Sir David Attenborough. Built by Exeter Fabrication, she packs a lot of function into a compact platform. Terror will transfer food, vehicles, fuel, and science equipment to any location where the water is too shallow for the new polar ship to approach.

A folding bow ramp and removable vehicle ramps combine with the shallow forefoot for bow landing, with the vessel being designed to load and accommodate a telehandler. The Heila HLM10-25 deck crane is capable of lifting loads of 2 tonnes to the cargo deck. A kedge anchor and deck winch further enhance the functionality of the vessel.

The challenge that faced Incat Crowther was fitting all of this capability and performance into a package that fit the mothership’s available deck space and launching capacity. Meeting the challenge, Terror features high capability for her compact size, weighing in at under 22 tonnes. The vessel can accommodate an additional 12 personnel.

An elevated wheelhouse affords excellent visibility and accommodates three crew in addition to the captain. The vessel is powered by twin Doosan L086TIH main engines driving fixed-pitch propellers and robust skegs for protection. The vessel has a service speed of 9 knots.

Incat Crowther is proud to be involved in this project, using the firm’s expertise and experience to meet the challenges of such a capable research and logistics vessel.

This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 42  No.4 Issue last August 31, 2020.