Exciting news for the future of the Fast Yacht Support Vessels: The first Sea Axe OBERON was launched by the Dutch shipbuilder Amels.
Oberon is a 50-metre vessel that was built to provide round-the-clock service and support for superyachts and is capable of travelling comfortably at high speeds in almost any sea state, which is possible due to the patented design of her Axe Bow.
She is the first vessel in the Fast Yacht Support market to make use of the Axe Bow, she is also capable of travelling at the top speed of 28 knots. Oberon is already in active service around the Mediterranean. Rob Luijendijk, the managing director of Amels-Holland explains the appeal of these vessels to the yacht owners with these words:
“The Sea Axe has a large capacity and is capable of carrying a helicopter, tenders, toys, fuels, consumables and waste, in addition to staff and relief crew.”
The Axe Bow is a proprietary design created jointly by Damen and Delft University of Technology under the direction of Dr ir J A (Lex) Keuning, associate professor of the Ship Hydromechanics Department. The theory of combining a deep forefoot with a very narrow entry in the bow pointed towards the possibility of significantly reducing the violent slamming motion of a ship in a rough seaway. The theory was subsequently proven with the successful launch of 18 Axe Bow vessels which Damen has delivered for use in patrol, oil-rig supply, and other offshore duties where consistent speed, easy motion, heavy weather reliability, and good fuel economy are all essential factors. Now with Oberon, Amels has taken the proven Axe Bow concept and applied it to a different market, to meet the demands for reliable support vessels among large yacht owners.
OBERON Sea Axe Support Vessel by Amels
The 50-metre Sea Axe is equipped with a 30-metre open deck with a total working area of 230 square metres and 250 tonnes of deck-cargo capacity. The deck crane has a maximum lifting capacity of 14 tonnes when extended to 10 metres. Capable of crossing the Atlantic at a cruising speed of 18 knots, the Sea Axe 5009 can be configured according to the client’s needs. For example, the standard configuration provides accommodation for a maximum 12 crew and staff, although it is possible to provide accommodation for additional staff with a customised layout.
Where comfort and aesthetics often play second fiddle to functionality in the world of the support vessel, the Sea Axe range sets new standards, Luijendijk explains:
“We want to produce Fast Yacht Support vessels whose looks match their high performance, and which complement the mother ship rather than looking like the poor relation. This is why we offer the option of fairing and painting the Sea Axe hull to a standard that you would normally associate with a super yacht rather than support ship.Another option is to finish the deck in Bolidt artificial teak, which is very tough and hard-wearing but looks good too. Equally, we furnish cabins on a Sea Axe to the same standard as a crew interior on an Amels luxury yacht. We asked the market what it wanted from a Fast Yacht Support vessel, and comfort and aesthetics were important requirements. ”
In addition to the Sea Axe 5009, other models in the Sea Axe range are the smaller 3707 and the larger 6711, all available in customized configurations. To date, 24 Axe Bow vessels have been sold, of which 18 have already been delivered.
The Sea Axe range sales and marketing are managed by the shipyard themselves. Amels is the exclusive yacht building member of the Dutch Damen SHipyard Group, consisting of more than 34 shipyard and marine-related companies in the world. Damen employs over 6 700 people and in 2009 delivered 150 vessels, with an annual turnover of 1,4 billion Euros.
