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SeaTransport has announced that its transport ship has commenced sea trials ahead of entering service with the US military.
Its stern landing vessel (SLV) was launched in late January this year and has undergone sea trials in Batam, Indonesia, testing the endurance, payload and operational capacity of the SLV.
The 73-metre vessel, named Matilda 1, is the newest addition to SeaTransport’s established SLV range.
The hull design was developed years ago and successfully tested at the Australian Maritime College in Launceston, Tasmania.
Built for long-distance operations, the ship uses a four-screw diesel-electric propulsion system designed for efficiency and back-up redundancy. Its bow design allows it to travel faster in open ocean conditions, handle rougher seas and cover longer distances than traditional bow-ramp landing craft.
SeaTransport has entered a three-year charter contract with the US military to incorporate the vessel into operation and support ongoing missions.
The company said the advanced features of the vessel will enable the US to transport much larger cargo loads than previously available, thus aiding in the overall efficiency of the military.
The cargo deck allows the vessel to transport 20 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, 18 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers, 16 MTVR trucks or 12 Amphibious Combat Vehicles.
The SLV can carry up to 550 tonnes of cargo, has a deadweight of 1,500 tonnes, and can operate up to 4,000 nautical miles.
