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HamiltonJet and SeaCor Cheetah

7th May 2008

HamiltonJet Offers SeaCor Cheetah More Than Just Performance

 

The recent launch of “MV Seacor Cheetah” has set a new benchmark in high speed crewboat technology, and HamiltonJet is well positioned to play an important role in further developments and vessel builds. The first of SeaCor’s Crewzer class vessels utilises quadruple HamiltonJet HM811 waterjets to achieve its impressive 40+ knots speed, but it’s not only performance that makes HamiltonJet the ideal propulsion choice for this type of vessel.

 
For crewboat operators such as Seacor, who might have vessels in the Gulf of Mexico, off the West African Coast, in Indonesia or South America, HamiltonJet’s global support network is an important consideration – together with the product’s high performance capabilities.
 
Mike Shearer, HamiltonJet Sales & Marketing Manager, says one of the company’s major advantages in the crewboat sector is its world wide support network and rapid response capability. “Today’s crewboats could end up working anywhere in the world, so it is crucial that we can supply spare parts and service expertise to where it is required as quickly as possible. Our global network of Authorised Distributors are backed up by company offices in the UK and US as well as the factory, so we are able to provide a high level of support probably as fast as anyone in the industry.”
 
HamiltonJet waterjets have a long and reputable history of reliability and performance in some of the harshest working conditions in the world. But while most offshore crew and supply boats require load carrying capacity, pinpoint manoeuvrability and the highest levels of passenger and crew comfort, Seacor Cheetah brings the added dimension of very high speed. And HamiltonJet’s quad HM811 waterjets deliver on all counts.
 
The waterjets are specifically designed for high speed efficiency together with cavitation resistance and outstanding manoeuvrability. With the Cheetah’s catamaran hull design, the waterjets are paired up in each hull and are a wider distance apart than with monohulls, which enhances manoeuvrability significantly. 
 
The HamiltonJet MECS control system for the waterjets’ steering and reverse controls as well as engine and gearbox control, links closely with other components of the vessel’s DP2 Dynamic Positioning system to assist in holding station in weather conditions where other boats simply couldn’t operate.
 
Mike Shearer says HamiltonJet, crewboat operators and DP system providers recognised very early on that the inherent manoeuvring benefits of waterjets would enhance the responsiveness and accuracy provided by DP systems. “There is no question the two work very well together – the waterjets provide a very high level of sideways thrust so remove the need for drop-down thrusters at the stern. What’s more, the jet’s zero-speed thrusting capability means power and responsiveness from the jets can be easily adjusted to suit the conditions without compromising the vessel’s position.”
 
With Seacor Cheetah the cat is well and truly out of the bag regarding the benefits of waterjets in offshore crew and supply vessels. And with further Crewzer class vessels, and other monohulls planned, HamiltonJet firmly intends to remain the propulsion option of choice in the industry.


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