Following the recent release of SHADOWCAT and Triton Submarine’s SHADOWLARK Launch and Recovery Craft (LARC) for personal submersibles, the duo today announced a new commercial LARC concept designed for the luxury tourism industry. SHADOWCAT, an award-winning developer of support yachts, and Triton Submarines, the foremost designer and manufacturer of civilian submersibles, developed this latest concept, named SHADOWLARK Pro, alongside Tillberg Design of Sweden (TDoS), a leading design company for luxury yachts and cruise ships. Australia-based Incat Crowther, the exclusive partner for SHADOWCAT, has provided SHADOWLARK Pro’s naval architecture and marine engineering plans.
Introducing 50M SHADOWLARK Pro – The luxury yacht with a submarine
The 50M SHADOWLARK Pro builds upon the existing innovative SHADOWLARK platform. However, it will expand for commercial operations to accommodate a larger submarine – the Triton DeepView. It’s a modular tourist sub that offers incremental capacities from 12 up to 66 guests – or multiple submersibles. With a 14-meter beam, and a draft of 2 meters, SHADOWLARK Pro also offers greater capacity for up to 10 crew. Its generous size also offers stowage over three decks for dedicated reception and post-dive lounges. Additionally, stowage for large transport tenders and a dive boat, dive and jet-ski centers, water toy storage, and more.
SHADOWCAT’s and Triton enhancing yacht experience
“The expansion of SHADOWCAT’s LARC offerings to the commercial sector is in response to market demand for a luxurious, yet cost-effective and practical platform, that cruise operators and resorts could source to generate additional revenue and to develop a reputation for exceptional excursions,” said SHADOWCAT founder Robert Smith.
“For commercial operators interested in adding revenue-generating activities for guests – such as sub dives, helicopter tours, or boat rides – SHADOWCAT support vessels are the most practical and efficient, and safest way to do so. The addition of a SHADOWLARK Pro is a smart decision in terms of enhancing seaborne expeditions, revenue, and brand value.”
TDoS on the new luxury yacht with a submarine, 50M SHADOWLARK Pro
“Working together we realized the opportunity for a fully independent support platform that could dramatically increase guest experiences, throughput, safety and revenues, while significantly reducing the impact, construction and operational challenges of carrying activity-related assets aboard the cruise vessel itself,” said Daniel Nerhagen, partner of TDoS.
“Relocating assets, like a helicopters or Zodiak boats, to a SHADOWLARK Pro, reclaims space and eliminates the need for a certified helipad aboard the mother ship and allows for independent operations. It could dramatically reduce expenditure, on both initial capex and integration, for onboard assets on multiple vessels, salaries and maintenance over the lifespan of the operation. The benefits of this solution are easily apparent.”
“Our initial focus was on aiding cruise operators in increasing guest satisfaction in terms of guest throughput for submersible experiences,” explains Bruce Jones, CEO of Triton Submarines.
“Though our eightpassenger Triton 660/9 AVA is causing a sensation in the Expedition Cruise sector, the demand for a highercapacity submersible versus the available space onboard the cruise vessel has been a conflict that can’t be resolved. The natural solution is to take the submersible off the mothership. The Triton DeepView is the ideal solution to improve guest throughput and revenues for the cruise lines. Together with TDoS and SHADOWCAT, we’ve created a concept that delivers many more additional benefits.”
Triton Submarines are built with the industry’s clearest acrylic pressure hulls; nearly 360-degree views; and ergonomic, beautiful and comfortable interiors. With a Triton DeepView, cruise lines and tourist operators can provide clients with an unforgettable adventure in a cost-efficient and easily maintained package.
