DYT Superyacht Transport has added the purpose-built semi-submersible yacht transport vessel Yacht Servant to its fleet. In addition to being thirty per cent larger than its sistership Yacht Express and being Tier III compliant, it only requires an operating water depth of 9 metres using a unique float-on, float-off system.
The official delivery took place on 4 January at Yantai CIMC Raffles Shipyard on China’s Shandong Peninsula. Three days later, the vessel embarked on its maiden voyage from Shanghai to Panama.
With a length over all of 213.70 metres, a 46-metre beam and a 4.6-metre draught, the Yacht Servant provides virtually double the capacity of its predecessors. The IMO Tier III compliant vessel is also 32 per cent more fuel efficient, while its 6380 m2 deck space facilitates the transport of more vessels per crossing.
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Reduced operating water depth
It has a lower deck height, which means the ballast time (therefore port time) is significantly reduced. It also means it can carry yachts with deeper draught and enter ports with shallower waters. It is equipped with two spud poles for quick mooring, and has electricity and water facilities for onboard yachts.
Whereas the current vessels in DYT’s semi-submersible fleet require operating water depths of around 14 metres, Yacht Servant only requires an operating water depth of 9 metres using a unique float-on, float-off system. Yacht Servant’s new specialised deck located behind the bridge built to accommodate tenders, containers and small race boats offers extra flexibility.
‘We’re all hugely excited about the addition of Yacht Servant to our semi-submersible fleet,’ says Richard Klabbers, Managing Director of DYT Superyacht Transport. ‘Her sheer size and volume allow for so much more capacity, and we’re looking forward to discovering how the vessel’s additional capabilities – such as onboard cranes, reduced board draft and increased submerged draft – will further what we can deliver.’
Fleet of three yacht transport vessels
On completion of its 2022 maiden voyage, Yacht Servant will return to China to transport cargo to Colombia during the yachting off season, before arriving in the Caribbean in May to commence its sailing schedule between Florida, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
‘Last year was a challenge for the entire yacht transportation industry, with lockdowns and global uncertainties affecting travel the world over,’ adds Klabbers. ‘But our order books for 2022 are already encouragingly healthy, and with Yacht Servant now bringing our DYT fleet total to three vessels, we’ve made a hugely promising start to the new year.’
DYT was formerly known as Dockwise Yacht Transport and is a member of the Spliethoff Group. The design of the Yacht Servant was conceived in-house by the Spliethoff Group.
Pictures by DYT.