Uudenkaupungin Työvene Transfers SWATH Vessel CASTOR to Neustadt/Holstein
Uudenkaupungin Työvene Oy has delivered CASTOR, a SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) vessel, to her home port Neustadt/Holstein on behalf of the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) for service with the German Navy.
Designed to transport up to 60 personnel, CASTOR will support the transfer of military personnel from the EAZS M in Neustadt in Holstein to naval units operating in Lübeck Bay. The vessel is intended to provide a dedicated transport capability between the shore-based facility and larger naval vessels at sea.
The delivery marks an important milestone for Uudenkaupungin Työvene, as CASTOR is the third vessel in a series of five vessels being built for different customers. The series demonstrates the shipyard’s expertise in developing and constructing specialised vessels tailored to demanding operational requirements.
The SWATH hull concept features two submerged hulls connected to the main body by slender struts, significantly reducing the waterplane area. This configuration helps minimise the vessel’s response to waves compared with conventional hull designs, contributing to improved motion characteristics and passenger comfort.
For personnel transport in a maritime environment, these characteristics can support safer and more comfortable transfers, particularly when operating alongside larger naval vessels. The vessel’s capacity of up to 60 persons makes CASTOR a dedicated solution for moving military personnel between shore and ships in the operational area.
CASTOR features a personnel transfer system that was specifically designed and built for the operation at sea. Starting from a vague idea of the system developed with Työvene´ s design partners the Finish supplier network was used to realize this fully approved and tested device.
With the delivery of CASTOR, Uudenkaupungin Työvene continues to strengthen its position as a specialist shipbuilder of advanced workboats and purpose-built vessels. The five-vessel series reflects the versatility of the SWATH platform and its suitability for different customer requirements and operational applications.
“The delivery of CASTOR is an important achievement for our team and a further demonstration of our capabilities in SWATH vessel design and construction. We are proud to deliver a vessel that will support the German Navy’s personnel transport requirements in Lübeck Bay. Being the third vessel in a five-vessel series for different customers also highlights the versatility of this vessel concept,” said Juha Granqvist, CEO, of Uudenkaupungin Työvene Oy.
Read the original press release here. Photo: Uudenkaupungin Työvene Oy