The size of crewboats has lengthened considerably as the search for oil and gas moves farther offshore and into rougher waters. Halter Marine's standard long-deck, 101-foot crewboats like the Capela and Atalaia are distinctive examples of the new generation of large crewboats for the offshore energy industry.
Recently delivered to Jackson Bermuda, Ltd. for service off the coast of Brazil, the Capela and Atalaia can handle the chores of a crewboat and still haul 30 tons of cargo on the deck. Each Halter boat has seating for 55 passengers and an extra-long cargo area measuring 55 by 17 feet.
The triple-screw aluminum crewboats reached trial speeds of 24 mph with three GM Detroit Diesel 12V71TI diesel engines turning through Twin Disc MG-514 reduction gears of 2:1 ratio. Each engine develops 510 horsepower at 2,100 rpm. The vessels have a 500-mile range with their 2,400-gallon fuel capacities.
The Capela and Atalaia each has a 21-foot beam, 10-foot depth and draws 5½ feet of water. A spacious engine room houses the main diesels as well as two GM Detroit Diesel 3-71 30-kw generators. Both vessels were outfitted with Decca 110 radars, Motorola VHF and SSB radios, and Danforth Constellation compasses. The boats have accommodations for up to six people in three staterooms.
The new crewboats were built by Halter's Chalmette, La., division, one of 10 shipyards owned and operated by Halter Marine in the Southeastern United States.