Fraser celebrates landmark moment as ground-breaking SeaXplorer LA DATCHA delivered

The Fraser Project Management Team celebrated a proud achievement as the ground-breaking 77m (252’) SeaXplorer LA DATCHA was delivered to her Owner. 

The delivery of this hugely ambitious project, just over 3 years from the contract being signed, and during a pandemic, is testament to the focus, energy and passion of everyone who worked on her.

The team are proud to have worked alongside Damen Shipyards, the Owner’s team and subcontractors to have delivered, on an extremely tight schedule, a truly game-changing vessel of immense engineering complexity. This highly ambitious project, requiring the capability to store and launch twin helicopters as well as a submarine all within a 77m platform demanded some innovative solutions resulting in one of the highest specced and most intelligently laid-out designs the Fraser Project Management team has worked on in recent years.

Ice-Class 1C engineered, she has 40 days of autonomy and storage capability for two helicopters. For deep-sea exploration, she also offers a three-man submarine and a full dive centre with decompression chambers. Her impressive toy store is packed with explorer-ready options, including snowmobiles and multiple tenders, including one which was converted into a Certified Lifeboat, custom designed to match the mother vessel – a unique Owner-requested concept achieved by the yacht’s exterior designers Azure Naval Architects. LA DATCHA’s interior is the perfect spot for post-exploration relaxation, featuring a spa with Turkish hammam, jacuzzi, ice fountain, and massage room.

Fraser Yacht Services Director Harald Van Exem said: “The delivery of LA DATCHA is a proud moment for each and every member of our Project Management team, as well as everyone who worked on the yacht. We have been on board every day for the past 2 years as the final stages of this extraordinary project were completed and the result is that we have seen her successfully delivered within a tight schedule, having overcome the challenges posed by the current global situation.”

Managing Director of Damen Rose Damen said: ‘’In a year that has challenged us all with Covid-19, new working measures and travel restrictions, it is incredible to see LA DATCHA head off on the adventures she was built to achieve. That is down to the dedication of everyone involved in this project from our own teams at our yards, to our co-makers and the owner’s teams.”  

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