Swiftships building fast supply vessels

 

By PRESTON GILL

MORGAN CITY — Swiftships is back in the crew boat business in a big way with a pair of 175-foot crew boats being built for Rodi Marine and a 200-footer in the wings for another company, according to Allen Crochet, projects manager at the Morgan City ship yard.

“These vessels have sparked a lot of interest from other contractors and companies,” Crochet said.

The cabin was put on the vessel Friday as workers continue to try to make it ready for delivery by April. The project began in January with work beginning on the construction of the vessel in March.

“We are starting to put together the second vessel and hope to have it finished in July,” Crochet said.

The Swiftships’ FSV DP-2 crew and supply vessel is an all-welded aluminum vessel designed to transport personnel and supplies to offshore facilities. Its lightweight aluminum superstructure and Swiftships’ proprietary design allows for high-speed performance and delivery capabilities.

Production supervisor Jimmy Owens said the 30-foot wide boat has four 1,800 horsepower Cummings diesel engines with MJ Propulsion marine power jets to allow the boat to reach speeds of about 30 knots and carry up to 70 passengers and crew.

Established in 2006, Rodi Marine owns and operates five fast supply vessels ranging from 135 to 165 feet in length. Rodi’s main office is located in Lafayette.

Swiftships capabilities include an immense variety of in-house vessel designs, construction and commissioning capability, custom built vessels, vessel operation/maintenance training programs, in-country support, warranty support, integrated logistics, and experienced naval, coast guard, and commercial operators.

Swiftships spokeswoman Morgan Rhoades said the 200-foot vessel Swiftships is constructing will be delivered to Y&S Marine of Belle Chasse.