Windfarm and dive support expansion provides orders for waterjets

With a maximum input power of 1100 kW (1475 bhp) the UJ525 is the first UltraJet model to be fully designed using Solidworks 3D capability, claimed to ensure a high degree of accuracy, lower tooling costs and the ability to optimise flow characteristics.

The first UltraJet UJ525 installations were ordered for a new 18m catamaran project even before the jet design had been finalised, but were delivered on time to meet the customer’s requirements.

The UJ525 is designed for single, twin, triple or quad installations in vessels up to 200 tonnes. It is claimed to provide a high performance solution where size and cost constraints have previously made it difficult to provide an optimised waterjet package. It features a redesigned reverse deflector with improved flow characteristics to increase the reverse and manoeuvring thrust among other improvements to improve durability, service life and maintainability.

When requested, interceptors can be fitted to provide fuel efficient steering and to optimise trim at varying loads. Various interceptor control systems are available.

In common with other Ultrajets, the UJ525 is constructed in marine grade aluminium alloy, with the impeller, housing, shafts and operating cylinders for steering and reverse in stainless steel. The UJ525 is offered with a complete range of UltraJet control systems, including JetMaster joystick control which integrates the diesel engine, throttles and waterjet management functions into a single intuitive control system

Another important order for Ultrajets comes from Turbine Transfers, which specialises in crew transfer for the offshore wind farm industry. The company, a division of Holyhead Towing, aims to increase its fleet to 20 vessels by the end of 2011, mostly purpose built catamarans from South Boats Special Projects division. Eight vessels, from 12m to 20m in length, are already in operation.

All are powered by twin diesel engines driving gearboxes coupled to twin Ultra Dynamics waterjet propulsion systems. This package offers a fast sprint speed and fast cruising, as well as good manoeuvrability and the high thrust required when deployed at wind farms in difficult sea conditions, in the UK, Belgium, Germany and Denmark.

Another important order for Ultrajets comes from South America, with a new offshore dive support vessel commissioned by Sistac Sistemas de Acesso.

Designed by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro the 25m aluminium vessel features a semi-planning hull matching load capacity to fuel consumption at high speed. Sistac Esperança was built by Seasafe Barcos Manufaturados, a specialist aluminium builder based in Angra dos Reis, Brazil. It is fitted with all the necessary gear for offshore diving, including a decompression chamber and dive-bell which is launched from the transom by an A-frame crane. Accommodation includes four cabins each for four persons.

Sistac Esperança is also equipped to carry out ROV operations and can operate for 15 days at a time, up to 200 miles offshore.

The 100 tonne vessel is powered by twin Caterpillar 3142E engines rated 634 kW (850 bhp) at 2300 rpm coupled to twin UltraJet 575 waterjets via ZF550 1.743:1 gearboxes, giving a speed of 14 knots.

The Ultra Dynamics JetMaster control system gives a capability of manoeuvring close to oil rigs and safely maintaining position while divers are in the water. A Vetus 20kW hydraulic bow-thruster further aids station keeping

Sistac Esperança, delivered in 2010, is said to be first in a new fleet of offshore vessels for service in the Brazilian Campos Basin.