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Posted by Alan Sorum May 26, 2007 |
In a recent article about the Dockwise Yacht Transport (DYT) entering into a ocean monitoring pact with the International SeaKeepers Society, I mentioned a new vessel being built by DYT called the Yacht Express. The new yacht carrying ship was just christened on 24 May 2007 at the Yantai Raffles Shipyard located in the Province of Shandong, China. Based on Chinese tradition, the christening date was an auspicious or Huang Dao Ji Ri date.
Yacht Express is the newest and largest member of the DYT fleet of five yacht carrying ships. Dockwise Yacht Transport is the only service of its kind using semi-submersible ships to transport yachts by floating them on and off the larger vessel for shipping. Since 1987, the company has successfully transported more than 8,000 motor and sailing yachts around the world. DYT is renowned for its ability to transport extremely heavy and large marine cargoes.
André Goedée, CEO of Dockwise Transport N.V. states that, "Following the growth of the yachting industry and the still rising demand of intercontinental transportation of yachts, Dockwise has decided to invest in this type of vessel to further enhance the growing business of Dockwise Yacht Transport."
Construction of the Yacht Express begin in the Yantai Raffles Shipyard during 2005 and the vessel is some 130 feet longer than the next largest vessel in the DYT fleet. The new yacht carrier has a service speed of 18 knots and can make the Atlantic crossing in only eight days. Onboard amenities include complimentary cabins for ride along crews, a swimming pool, restaurant, movie theater, and conference center.
Principal characteristics of Yacht Express
- Length overall: 209.00 m / 685.7 ft
- Width overall: 32.20 m / 105.64 ft
- Depth: 8.50 m / 27.89 ft
- Draft: 5.80 m / 19.03 ft
- Draft submerged: 14.00 m / 72.18 ft
- Deck length: 165.00 m / 541.34 ft
- Deck width: 31.00 m / 101.71 ft
- Weight: 15,000 t
- Service speed: 18 knots
Following sea trials, DYT's new ship will visit Australia, New Zealand and Florida, as well as making an appearance at the Monaco Yacht Show in September. The show will be used by DYT as the principal, initial introduction of the Yacht Express to the yachting community.