This FSIV, Fast Supply & Intervention Vessel, in the old days humbly called a crew boat was the third of a series of three vessels, ordered by ABCmaritime, Nyon, Switzerland. The KAROL W was constructed by SEAS, South East Asia Shipyard, Ben Luc, Vietnam, a shipyard belonging to the Piriou Group of Shipbuilders in Concarneau, France. The shipyard is located at the outskirts of Ho-Chi-Minh-City (Saigon) and is led by French key personnel.
The KAROL W sails under the flag of Malta and for this reason the shipyard was obliged to make some modifications to the original design. After her delivery on 30.10.2014 the KAROL W sailed via Singapore to West Africa, making three short calls for bunkers on her way.
The crew consists of a French captain and chief engineer and 8 local seamen. On her voyage to West Africa seamen from the Philippines were on board. The boat currently operates in West Africa.
SwissShips, HPS, July 2014
On 25.08.2017, transferred under Saint Vincent and The Grenadinnes flag and registered for Fast Ship Ltd. in Kingstown. Not renamed and unchanged management. Official No.: 12006. Callsign J8B5533.
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Some technical details
The complete vessel, hull and superstructure was built of aluminium, as with reduced weight more speed can be achieved. The unusual bow is designed to cut through the waves, however in a seaway the boat is still rolling. The propulsion of the boat is by 4 high-speed diesel engines, each driving a steerable waterjet unit from Hamilton, New Zealand. Further two electrically driven bow thrusters are installed. Four diesel generators supply the electrical power for the bow thrusters and for the other needs of the ship.
In order to facilitate cargo work next to an oil platform at sea, the vessel has a dynamic positioning system (DP class 2), were a computer controls the water jet units and the bow thrusters, keeping the vessel on station within 1 or 2 meters.
To extinguish external fires (for example on an oil rig or another ship) the KAROL W is equipped with a fire fighting system (FiFi class I), consisting of one fire monitor on each side on the stern, each having a capacity of 1200 m3/hr and one fire pump of 2400 m3/hr capacity. The length of the water jet has to be 120 m and has to reach a height of 45 m.
The vessel can carry cargo and passengers. The cargo is carried on the large cargo deck, maximum capacity is about 226 tonnes. A total of 50 day-passengers can travel in inclining eco-seats, located in a cabin furnished with TV and video. Additionally 12 people can stay on board in 4 single berth cabins and in 4 double berths cabins.
SwissShips, HPS, July 2014