First-in-class, the FireCat will be equipped with two MTU engines delivering speeds of up to 25 knots. She features a double-storey wheelhouse for excellent visibility, will carry four crew, and is fitted with a 4-berth cabin, medical room, and equipment storage space. She also uniquely boasts six monitors, which deliver 11,000 gallons per minute.

Customised for MCM’s Kuwaiti client’s specific requirements, the design is based on a wind farm service vessel (WFSV), which will provide speed and stability together with enhanced access via extended stern platforms, as well as a docking station and crane for daughter craft. The high-speed catamaran will be capable of a number of differing tasks including; vessel escort, humanitarian and disaster relief, casualty evacuation and fire-fighting.

James Walker, Principal Naval Architect of WMD comments: “This is a fantastic achievement for WMD, particularly as we have been selected from a global list of established players. This vessel wholly reflects our business’ ethos of delivering innovative naval architecture to a worldwide audience. Our designs are already operating successfully in Asia, Europe and the Americas, and this contract further cements our belief that WMD is the best in its field.”

Eric Connell, of MCM comments: “Having seen their previous vessel builds, we were confident of WMD’s experience in designing high speed catamarans and therefore approached them to discuss our vessel aspirations. The team at WMD provide an exceptional level of design expertise and are highly responsive. We are confident that this is the start of a fruitful and long-lasting relationship between our businesses.”

WMD recently unveiled its first-in-class 14 metre high-speed FiFi pilot vessel, which was built with Aluminium Marine Consultants as part of a tri-party agreement together with UK leading emergency services vehicle supplier, Angloco, for clients in South America