Finnish state-owned company Arctia is renewing its fairway maintenance fleet with the aim of improving energy efficiency and occupational safety. Delivered last autumn, the ALUCAT® W35 Cabin4 Long is an excellent example of this approach: a technologically advanced multipurpose vessel that challenges traditional, heavier platform concepts.
Positioned in the coastal waters of Helsinki, the W35 is part of Arctia’s pilot project aimed at identifying new ways to carry out fairway maintenance with improved fuel efficiency. If operational experiences during the 2026 season meet expectations, the new lighter fleet will gradually replace the ageing Meri‑2000 vessels.
A technological advantage built on a catamaran hull
The ALUCAT® W35 is based on a stable catamaran hull design that provides an exceptionally large, flat deck area of approximately 35 m². Despite its overall length of 13.2 metres, the vessel’s draught at full load is only about 0.61 metres. This enables efficient operations in shallow and demanding fairways that are inaccessible to traditional vessels.
Key Technical details:
- Material: Durable marine‑grade aluminium (5083)
- Load capacity: Approx. 5,000 kg (approx. 11,000 lbs)
- Power source: 2 × Mercury FourStroke XL outboard engines (total output 500 hp)
- Advanced equipment: Amco Veba multifunction crane, dynamic positioning (DP), and comprehensive LED work lighting
Smart technology saves energy and protects the environment
Arctia utilizes a dynamic positioning (DP) system on board the vessel, a feature rarely seen in vessels of this size. The DP system keeps the vessel precisely in position using GPS data without the need for anchoring, making the maintenance of navigational aids faster and more accurate.
In addition, the vessel is equipped with Marfle vessel analytics, enabling real-time monitoring of performance and fuel consumption. This directly supports Arctia’s sustainability objectives: data can be used to encourage economical operating practices among operators, while maintenance needs can be anticipated before issues arise.
Versatility in support of professional operations
The vessel is designed for year-round operation, which is reflected in its equipment:
- Multipurpose crane: The Amco Veba crane is designed for both cargo handling and personnel lifting. Switching between the deck‑integrated personnel basket and the load hook is quick, and the crane can be operated either manually or via remote control.
- Working conditions: Low‑light conditions have been taken into account with efficient LED lighting. A heated cabin, WC, and a small break area ensure that the crew can operate efficiently even during long working days.
- Security: Modern GPS and sonar systems ensure safe navigation in shallow coastal waters.
Towards the future of fairway maintenance
The role of ALUCAT® W35 in Arctia’s fleet is significant. It represents a transition towards lighter, more agile vessels with a smaller carbon footprint. When traditional fairway maintenance meets modern vessel design, the result is a cleaner and safer marine environment for us all.
Read more about Arctia’s sustainable fairway maintenance: https://www.arctia.fi
Would you like to learn more about catamaran solutions tailored for professional use? The ALUCAT® W35 is just one example of how we can build a fully customized tool tailored to the user’s exact needs, saving both costs and the environment.