Blancke Marine Services of Sewell, N.J., has signed a contract with Victress Ltd. for the conceptual design of a passenger-freight-RO/RO vessel. The vessel is intended for inter-island use in the Bahamas. The vessel will carry passengers, mail, frozen/refrigerated foodstuffs, and vehicles.
The vessel is 125 feet in length. It has a molded beam of 33 feet and maximum loaded draft of 7 feet. There are passenger accommodations for 48 in 14 air-conditioned staterooms. The vessel has a refrigerated capacity of 1,200 cubic feet and frozen capacity of 1,200 cubic feet. The dry cargo store capacity is 2,400 cubic feet. The vessel has roll-on/roll-off capability for four vehicles.
The vessel will be powered by twin GM Detroit Diesel 12-71TI engines rated at 540 bhp each; it will cruise at 12 knots. The vessel's electrical power system will be supplied by two Detroit Diesel 3-71, 40-kw generators. The bow door winch, stern anchor winch, and unloading crane are hydraulically powered.
Adaptable for para-military use as a landing craft for personnel and vehicles, the vessel has its propeller shafts located in skegs for protection during beach landings. The two side skegs and the center line skeg provide a flat plane to give the vessel upright stability during beachings or drydocking. The vessel will have a 30,000-gallon fuel capacity, and carry 7,000 gallons of fresh water.
Victress Ltd. is a new shipyard being formed in Nassau, Bahamas. Victress intends to deliver fishing vessels, workboats, and pleasure craft to the world market.