The 72’ Cruise Ship Tender, Ni/V SANTA MARIA VI, was recently delivered to Labadee Investments, Ltd. The twin-screw steel vessel ‘s primary mission is to provide ship to shore ferry service for large cruise ships of the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, anchored in the harbor at the Labadee resort, on the island of Haiti.

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DeJong & Lebet, Inc., Naval Architects, Jacksonville, Florida, provided preliminary and detail design services as well as construction supervision services. The result was a vessel ideally suited for tending cruise ships. The vessel features a raised level 3600 view pilothouse, raised boarding deck, 10" non—marking rubber fenders, passenger deck canopy, fixed bench seating with individual back rests, and Philly clad 200 non—skid deck covering. These features were included in the design by DeJong & Lebet, Inc. specifically to enhance the safety and comfort of the passengers, particularly while moored to the cruise ship.

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The unique hull design of the SANTA MARIA VI is best described as a modified catamaran, with two (2) outboard hulls connected by a submerged center "wing" section, open to both hulls. The hull design was a group effort between DeJong & Lebet, Inc. and Thorleif Berg of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. The result is a hull that combines the efficiency and stability of a catamaran, with the sea keeping, increased tons per inch and below decks access of a monohull.

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The SANTA MARIA VI is powered by a pair of General Motors 12V-71N diesels, rated @ 340 SHP each, with 3:1 ratio Twin Disc MG-514 reverse/reduction gears. The engines and gears were provided by Coastal Power of Jacksonville, Florida. The engines turn 3" diameter Aquamet 22 shafts with 42" diameter 4-bladed propellers, furnished by Columbian Bronze. The engines are heat exchange cooled, with raw water-cooled exhaust through the transom at the waterline.

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The vessel’s hull is built to ABS standards and was furnished with an ABSTECH certificate of compliance. The vessel’s hull features extra heavy steel construction for durability due to its remote location and extended periods between dry-docking. The vessel was designed to meet United States Coast Guard regulations in Subchapter T for Ocean Service, including stability and subdivision criteria, but was not inspected.

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Principal characteristics of the SANTA MARIA VI are as follows:

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Length = 72’

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Breadth = 25’

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Depth = 8'-6"

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Draft (loaded) = 5'-0"

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Passengers = 250

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Speed: Maximum = 13 Knots

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Speed Loaded = 11 Knots

Fuel Capacity = 4400 gallons

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