Centus orders fast crew boat duo from Strategic Marine

Singapore’s shipbuilder Strategic Marine has secured a contract to build two 42-metre fast crew boats (FCB) for Malaysian vessel operator Centus Marine.

Strategic Marine said on Monday that these would be the fifth and sixth vessels built by the company for Centus Marine. This follows the delivery of a 40-metre FCB in February 2021.

Both FCBs are scheduled for completion in the second quarter and fourth quarter of 2021, respectively. According to the company, this design is a customized solution developed in close collaboration with Centus Marine to meet their operational needs.

“Having recently taken delivery of a stock newbuild by Strategic Marine, we have first-hand experience of the excellent quality achieved by their team. This new FCB design includes new features and additions made based on feedback we received from our customers and operational staff and we expect to achieve even better vessel performance efficiencies and capabilities.

“We have full confidence in the Strategic Marine team to support our new fleet growth and delivering these vessels built to the updated and bespoke specifications of our clients”, Centus Marine stated.

Propelled by three Cummins KTA50 engines, the 42-metre FCB will cruise at 30 knots and can reach a top speed of over 31 knots. The design incorporates the robust engineering of hulls proven in a tough commercial marine environment and is fully compliant with Petronas’ requirements.

The accommodation area features 12 berths in seven cabins and can comfortably accommodate up to 100 personnel onboard as well as wide, efficient walkways to facilitate crew transfer amid demanding offshore conditions.

Strategic Marine’s CEO Chan Eng Yew said: “Our demonstrated experience and quality has secured another two more vessels win for the group. We are thrilled with Centus Marine for entrusting us with this new highly valued project and reaffirming our position as a market-leading vessel builder of exceptional quality. This win adds to our growing order pipeline and is a significant kick-start to 2021”.