BMT Nigel Gee, a subsidiary of the BMT Group, has announced its latest
design, developed in partnership with Claydon Reeves. With her
state-of-the-art Extreme Semi-SWATH (XSS) hullform, Oxygen redefines the
explorer yacht genre, offering outstanding speed and seakeeping
performance with the luxury and facilities of a true superyacht.
Equipped
for all manner of pursuits, Oxygen’s primary role is a dive-explorer
yacht carrying not only extensive diving equipment but also her own
submarine, launched from an innovative stern lift that doubles as an
adjustable swim platform. Measuring 55 metres in length, and powered by
four MTU 2000 series diesel engines driving a pair of controllable
pitch propellers, the yacht can comfortably reach speeds of up to 24
knots. While her low draught allows access to shallow, inshore
locations, a ride control system consisting of active T-foils and
interceptors ensures a smooth ride even in the most demanding offshore
sea conditions.
True
SWATH vessels demonstrate by far the lowest motions in rough seas, but
at the expense of very high powering requirements and high running costs
in comparison to more fuel efficient, conventional catamaran
hullforms. BMT Nigel Gee has previously developed a Semi-SWATH hullform
for the US Navy offering significantly lower motions than those of a
conventional catamaran, yet with a minimal increase in powering. The
XSS goes one step further in maximising the seakeeping performance of
high-speed catamarans, effectively closing the gap between SWATH and
Semi-SWATH technology.
Rob Sime, Senior Naval Architect at BMT Nigel Gee explains: “BMT’s proven XSS hullform offers seakeeping performance approaching that of a traditional SWATH vessel, but with powering and fuel consumption levels comparable to catamarans of more conventional form. The XSS hullform has already been adopted for demanding applications in the offshore energy industry, and is equally well-suited to explorer yacht applications where Owners may not want their enjoyment to be interrupted by the prevailing sea conditions.”
Claydon
Reeves approached the design with a clean sheet of paper. “We were
delighted when BMT Nigel Gee asked us to assist them in creating a
luxury vessel on their XSS hull platform.” says James Claydon. “The
extreme beam available only on a catamaran allowed us to set aside
conventional motor yacht design principles and instead create a totally
original exterior, clothing a practical yet intuitive internal
arrangement.”
Oxygen’s
exterior has been designed with a fully glazed appearance, promising
masses of internal light and spectacular views out. The flush-sided,
single volume deckhouse stands apart from conventional stepped and
tiered superstructures.
Internally,
guest accommodation is spread over three decks with the Owner enjoying
forward views on the main deck with a private terrace. Aft on the main
deck, Dive HQ provides changing facilities for the day’s underwater
activities and permits direct access to the water once the stern lift is
deployed. The main saloon and dining room are situated on the bridge
deck above, along with the VIP cabin, Captain’s cabin and senior crew
accommodation. The remaining crew cabins are located on the lower
decks.
Aft,
a large dive store with decompression chamber and service area are
located in the port side lazarette with the crew tender to starboard.
Above deck, an eight metre tender and five metre submarine rest whilst
the fore deck helipad adds further exploration options for guests.
Rob Sime concludes: “BMT Nigel Gee is renowned for developing innovative hull designs allowing Owners to maximise the operability and enjoyment of their vessels. The unique features of the XSS hullform make it an ideal platform for a futuristic dive-explorer yacht, not only for the speed and seakeeping performance that it can offer, but also for the creative deck arrangements possible only with a catamaran. Our pioneering approach and unrivalled engineering experience allow us to work closely with free-thinking designers like Claydon Reeves, leading the market into the next generation of naval architecture and yacht design"
