Incat Crowther design to support Brunei Shell Petroleum’s offshore energy assets

The vessels will join FOS’s expanding fleet, providing offshore personnel and cargo transportation services and will operate for Brunei Shell Petroleum’s (BSP) offshore energy assets.

Incat Crowther worked closely with FOS during an international tender to develop a design specifically to meet the stringent demands of BSP, particularly for availability and operability throughout the year. 

The new vessels, which will be capable of transporting 80 passengers and a payload of 150 tonnes at speeds of up to 30 knots, will be constructed in multiple shipyards across the region including FOS’s own shipyard in Singapore. 

With a length of 55 m, waterline length of 52 m and beam of 9.00 m, the crewboats will be built from marine grade aluminium. They will be capable of transporting 34,342 gallons of fuel oil, 9,246 gallons of fresh water, 528 gallons of black water and 528 gallons of grey water. They will have a service speed of 25 knots and maximum speed of 30 knots with a powerplant based on four CAT 3512C engines and installed power of 1,678kW @ 1,800 rpm. 

Incat Crowther managing director Europe Ed Dudson said constructing the vessels at multiple shipyards will enable rapid deployment of the crewboats, a process he said had been made possible by the company’s digital design and shipbuilding process.

“Each shipyard receives an identical, highly detailed digital package containing everything required for construction – from structural arrangements through to internal routing of auxiliary systems, electrical cable trays and HVAC,” Mr Dudson explained. 

“This approach ensures that despite the complexity of a multi-location build, all 10 vessels will be delivered to an identical design and specification, providing FOS with a consistent, reliable fleet.”

The new vessels will have an SMST gangway that enables safe and efficient personnel transfer. The vessels will also have a large, 200 m² aft cargo deck capable of transporting supplies and equipment to BSP’s offshore assets. To support the gangway operation, the vessels are fitted with three bow thrusters to meet the required DP2 notation. 

The newbuilds will have a spacious, air-conditioned passenger cabin with business class style seating, three bathrooms, two twin cabins and ample cargo storage spaces. The hull deck accommodates each vessel’s 16 crew in comfort with six twin cabins, two single cabins, a crew mess and kiosk area. 

Construction of the new fleet started in late 2025, with the first vessels due to enter service in early 2027.