UK: Rolls-Royce Water Jets Propel South Boats WFSV

Following meetings at last year’s Seawork, South Boats placed their first orders for Rolls-Royce water jets, along with their advanced new control system for a new range of boats to be launched this year. In recent years, water jets from Rolls-Royce have been increasingly specified by windfarm operators for their strong, reliable performance and ease of control.

Andy Brett, UK sales manager of Rolls-Royce Marine announced: “We received our first order from South Boats after Seawork 2011 and have since got four firm orders with more in the pipeline.”

A further order was placed for a boat already in build and the Iceni Defiant has just been succesfully delivered. This 17m windfarm service vessel is fitted with two Rolls-Royce Kamewa FF 500 waterjets and 800hp Scania engines. Vessel performance is outstanding compared to previous similar builds: top speed is higher, cruising is more relaxed and good thrust is achieved for the critical transfer operation at lower engine speed than before, leading to more economical operation and extending reliability further.

A further feature is the new Rolls-Royce compact control system. This Canbus based system, with proportional hydraulic control for smooth steering and bucket operation, is pre-configured and simple to install for the boat builder. With combined engine and jet control levers and a joystick for easy, precise manouvring, the controls are intuitive to use and improve safety by enabling the operator to concentrate on the job in hand, also reducing operator fatigue.

Feedback from South Boats and the owner has been excellent, both on vessel performance and on the relationship with Rolls-Royce technically and commercially. Iceni Marine Services has now placed orders for two 24m WFSVs with South Boats. These larger craft will each have two 56A3 waterjets from Rolls-Royce, along with the new compact control system.

Rolls-Royce Marine will be at stand A213 at this year’s Seawork.

[mappress]

Source: seawork, May 11, 2012