SWATH Cruise Ship Passes Sea Trials

The world's first luxury SWATH design cruise ship, the SSC Diamond Radisson, recently cleared her first hurtle, completing her threeday sea trials with "flying colors," according to Finnyards Oy, her builder.

"The trials were an outstanding success, with the Diamond's performance beating even our expectations," said Christian Aspegren, president, Diamond Cruise, Inc., Helsinki, Finland, owner of the vessel.

"During the trials, we were very much aware of the almost lack of movement on-board, even when the seas became rougher than normal.

The pitching, rolling, and heaving usually found on monohull craft was not in evidence," he stated.

Set for a May 7 christening, the SSC Diamond Radisson is based on the Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) design, which, as its name implies, offers a relatively small waterplane area compared with conventional monohulls. The SWATH design provides the vessel with excellent, controlled movements even in tough seafaring conditions.

In addition, since the propulsion machinery is located in the twin-hulls and the superstructure is well above the waterline, the design also minimizes noise and vibration levels in the accommodation and public areas. The SWATH concept allows for large open deck areas and spacious public spaces.

With an overall length of430 feet, beam of 105 feet and harbor draft of 24.6 feet, the 18,400-ton SSC Diamond Radisson has 177 passenger cabins, with a passenger capacity of 354 and crew complement of 194.

She is designed for corporate conference cruises and management level bonus and incentive travel.

There are two propulsion plants comprising Wartsila Vasa 6R32E and Wartsila Vasa 8R32E diesel engines utilizing heavy fuel 380 cSt/ 50 degrees C.

Auxiliary power is provided by one Wartsila Vasa 12V22HF-D diesel generator, rated at 1,740 kw, and one Wartsila Vasa 8R22HF-D, rated at 1,160 kw.

After initially operating in the Mediterranean during the summer of 1992, the Diamond Radisson will serve the Caribbean market out of her homeport of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 87, Apr 1992

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Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.