Floating On Cloud X
4/20/2006 11:02:36 AM by Warren Resen
Flying along on this large catamaran is akin to being on Cloud 9
The Cloud X is a miniature luxury ship that whisks its passengers to Grand Bahama Island in a fast, comfortable three-hour run.
It’s what you don’t see that makes the difference. When tied up to its pier at the Port of Palm Beach or traveling the 74 miles to Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, the Cloud X (pronounced 10, like the Bo Derek movie) appears to be a large catamaran. But as the saying goes about not judging a book by its cover, there is more to this ship than meets the eye. Hidden beneath the waves lies the secret of this ship’s speed and stability and why the designers and builders call it a Swath Fast Ferry.
The acronym stands for Small Waterplane Area Twin-Hull ship. The differences between a catamaran and a swath vessel are hidden from view. Attached to the hulls are two submarine-like towers running the length of the ship which are always completely underwater. The lower hulls are connected to the above-water cross-structure by two thin vertical struts which provide the swath with its small waterplane area, reducing the powerful forces from buffeting waves normally transferred to a vessel.
Four fins, referred to as the ride control system, are mounted on the inboard sides of the lower hulls. Each fin is controlled by an electromechanical drive and response time is reported to be almost instantaneous. Cloud X has a propriety system which attempts to control roll and heave as effectively as pitch.
The lower hulls sustain the weight of ship, which always stays at the same height. Because the ship so closely resembles a catamaran, many people think it uses water jets for propulsion. Well, they are wrong. The vessel’s draft is 13 feet and gas turbine engines are used. Even the propellers are not standard; they have controllable pitch.
Captain Jeff Hagopian has been master of the vessel for the past two years. His prior experience was captaining tankers in oceans around the world. He told me that, “Operating a ship with controllable pitch propellers takes some getting used to. It is quite different from standard propulsion systems.” He added that, “The unique design of the Cloud
X, with its swath technology, provides passengers with unusual stability and comfort.”
The day I left for Freeport, southeast winds were blowing 15-20 mph and the seas were running 3-5 feet. On the trip over, I experienced some sideward motion but very little up and down movement. Except for vibrations from the engines, it was a smooth crossing. But, there was no mistaking you were at sea.
Engines are mounted forward in the submerged lower hulls. Gas turbines were used because of their relatively smaller size and lower weight, up to one-third less than conventional diesel engines, but give the same power as the larger diesels. Other features of gas turbine engines include quick startup time, reduced maintenance and expected lower lifetime cost. The fuel is low sulfur diesel, but any gas or marine diesel fuel can be used by these engines.
Swath technology permits a small vessel to ride the waves like a much bigger ship with the ability to sustain a high proportion of its normal cruising speed in rough head seas. Richard S. Holcomb, Swath International’s general manager said, “Cloud X was designed to have a full-load cruise speed in calm water in excess of 27 mph.”
The Cloud X design, including the integration of all the ship subsystems, has been optimized for service on the trip between south Florida and Grand Bahama Island. Holocomb stated that “This is a good route for a swath ship because most of the transit is across the Gulf Stream, which frequently involves rough water operation. The swath hull form permits constant speed even in rough water, thus allowing an approximate three-hour crossing time as well as a reduced number of weather related cancellations.”
When the ship is underway, there is little feeling of forward motion even when looking out the wrap around windows of the lounges. However, go aft and look at the wake being kicked up. It is impressive. You know you are moving.
Cloud X is a truly an All-American ship, something rare these days. It was built in the state of Washington, flies under the United States flag and registry and is run by an American crew. The Cloud X was issued a COI by the U.S. Coast Guard to operate in seas up to 12 feet. The owners say it will handle seas up to nine feet with only minor speed loss. Currently, there are about 50 swath craft and ships around the world ranging in size from pilot boats up to the 11,500-plus ton luxury cruise ship the Radisson Diamond.
All of the foregoing information about design and performance leads to the raison d’être for Cloud X. Forget any preconceived images you might have when the word “ferry” is mentioned. There are no hard fiberglass or wooden benches bolted to the deck. The Cloud X is a miniature luxury ship that whisks its passengers to Grand Bahama Island in a fast, comfortable three-hour run.
All amenities are located inside the two climate controlled passenger decks. Forward on the main deck is the Bahamian Lounge with plush seating. Aft is a casino area and gift shop. This is not a gambling ship by any means, but gaming is available. On the upper level are the Bonito and Marlin Lounges with plusher passenger seating. Both decks feature full bars. Food and snacks are available delivered to you at your table. This is not your father’s ferry.
The whole experience of traveling to a foreign country only 50 or so miles off the Florida coast is made easy and enjoyable by the operators of Cloud X. On this short trip passengers can visit, read, sleep, watch TV, try their luck at the tables, or just gaze out to sea. The services of an onboard concierge will soon be available. On the return trip, cameras start clicking away to capture the sunset over Palm Beach.
For more information on the Cloud X and swath technology, go to www.cloudx.com or call 1-866-GO-FERRY.
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CLOUD X STATISTICS:
Length:
123 feet
Weight: Approximately 1,023 GRT
Power:
Two gas turbines, 4,000 horsepower each
Fuel:
4,000 gallons, low sulfur diesel
Range:
200 nautical miles at 27 knots
Passenger capacity:
367
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