Strategic Marine delivers fast crew vessel for Centus Marine

Construction of Singapore-built 40-m long Centus Eight proceeded smoothly despite Covid-19 restrictions and was completed on schedule. The handover ceremony was attended by Centus Marine and held at Strategic Marine’s shipyard.

Commenting on the delivery of the vessel, Centus Marine said “We are very pleased to take delivery of the FCB today and we want to express our appreciation to the Strategic Marine team who adapted quickly to the safe management measures required due to the pandemic and adjusted their working schedule to meet the required delivery timeline.”

Strategic Marine chief executive Chan Eng Yew said “This is a notable milestone for Strategic Marine as it is the first vessel constructed under our new ownership. These are exciting times for us as a group and we are committed to building on our current orders and expanding our market share further.”

The ship’s Generation 3 hull form was developed in close collaboration with Strategic Marine’s long-term design partner Southerly Designs in Australia and was extensively tested at the Australian Maritime College.

Centus Eight will be powered by three Caterpillar C32 engines driving fixed pitch propellers providing a robust and efficient propulsion system. The station-keeping and manoeuvring capability is further enhanced by a tunnel thruster installed at the bow.

Sea trials were completed in January and results from the speed trial showed that the ship was capable of achieving a top speed in excess of 30 knots.

On board, the ship’s accommodation includes 16 berths in seven cabins, a large galley and mess area, walk-in chiller and freezer to cater for a large crew with extended operational endurance. The passenger saloon offers 70 reclining seats arranged with either single or twin seats in each row to provide additional space and privacy.

The aft deck has a clear area of 120 m² with a deck strength of 2 tonne/m² protected by sturdy crash rails and planked with chemically treated hard timber. The vessel cargo fuel capacity is 70 m³ and cargo freshwater capacity is 30 m³.

Designed to meet the strict requirements of oil majors, Centus Eight will be deployed in Malaysian waters and is also equipped to carry out external fire-fighting roles by a remote-controlled water monitor with a capacity of 1,200 m³/hr.