US-Singapore partnership to build modular SES craft for defence, offshore energy markets

Singapore shipbuilder Strategic Marine and US-based Eureka Naval have struck a deal to build a versatile high-speed modular surface effect ship (SES) to serve both naval and offshore energy markets.

Under a memorandum of understanding (MoU), the parties will collaborate on the construction of the first Aircat Bengal MC modular attack surface craft in Singapore.

The partnership comes at a time when the United States is looking abroad to allies to strengthen its naval and icebreaker design, and shipbuilding capabilities.

Eureka Naval Craft chief executive, Bo Jardine envisions the partnership will be able to offer a highly advanced modular attack surface craft (MASC) to the US Navy and allied navies quickly at a time of increased threat. The versatile catamaran vessel design can further be retooled for the commercial offshore industry as a workboat.

“This partnership marks a new chapter in delivering next-generation, dual-use maritime solutions to the global market,” said Mr Jardine, a veteran offshore oil and gas executive well known for his embrace of innovative solutions to overcome offshore logistics and supply chain challenges.

“Our Singapore shipyard is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by a highly experienced team, enabling us to deliver complex vessels quickly and at scale” said Strategic Marine chief executive, Chan Eng Yew.

The partners plan to deliver a new class of non-ITAR, dual-use vessels designed for both maritime defence and commercial applications.

SES design versatility

The 36-m modular platform Aircat Bengal MC is based on the proven Aircat Crewliner 35 SES, designed by Norwegian naval architectural firm ESNA AS in collaboration with France’s Aircat Vessels and further developed by Eureka.

Strategic Marine has delivered similar high-performance vessels to major global clients, including three 50-knot-plus AIRCAT 35 Crewliner design crew transfer vessels for operations serving TotalEnergies in Angola.

“Our proven track record of delivering vessels to the oil and gas, offshore renewables, maritime security, passenger ferry and tourism markets demonstrates our ability to meet the highest standards of quality and reliability,” said Mr Chan.

Through this MoU, both parties will collaborate closely on finalising vessel design, construction details and project milestones.

A defining feature of the Aircat Bengal MC is its highly modular payload architecture, allowing integration of a wide array of mission modules and payloads, including advanced sensors, unmanned systems, weapons, communications suites and specialised equipment for both defence and civilian operations.

This modularity enables operators to tailor the vessel’s capabilities to specific mission profiles, including for anti-surface warfare, mine countermeasures, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, humanitarian assistance or offshore energy support.

Offshore energy operations

For offshore oil and gas logistics, the Aircat Bengal MC has a large aft deck has a 40-tonne payload capacity for transporting equipment, supplies and personnel to and from offshore platforms, while the vessel’s stability and speed ensure safe and efficient operations even in harsh sea conditions.

Additionally, the vessel offers a fast and safe mode of personnel transfer offshore, providing a reliable alternative to helicopters in certain scenarios.

This capability not only enhances operational flexibility and safety but can also reduce costs and weather-related delays, making the Aircat Bengal MC an attractive solution for energy operators seeking to optimise logistics and personnel movement in dynamic offshore environments.

Mr Jardine confirmed Eureka is in talks with US shipyards and the US Navy to build Aircat vessels in the United States.