SHADOWCAT Triton Submarines Unveil Launch-and-Recovery Craft, SHADOWLAR...

(Dubai, UAE; March 7, 2022) – SHADOWCAT, the award-winning line of catamaran support yachts, announced today that it has entered a strategic collaboration with Triton Submarines, the leading designer and manufacturer of civilian submersibles, to develop an innovative new Launch and Recovery Craft (LARC), named SHADOWLARK. The concept, designed by renowned naval architects Incat Crowther, includes a 24-meter LARC designed to carry a Triton 3300/3 MKII submersible, which comfortably seats three people (pilot and two guests) and will safely dive to depths as great as 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) for up to 12 hours.

The SHADOWLARK and Triton 3330/3 MKII are together indicatively priced under US$10 million and can be delivered in 14 months from receipt of a signed contract using any of SHADOWCAT’s qualified builders in the U.S., Europe or the Middle East.

The highly experienced team at SHADOWCAT developed SHADOWLARK as a scalable solution to the logistical challenges associated with launching, recovering, and supporting a submersible weighing up to 12,000 kg (26,400 lbs.), which requires a stable, protective and spacious at-sea platform. SHADOWCAT’s efficient platform is proven to fulfil the requirements and is ideally suited to:

• Operate independently,

• Support an existing private, research-focused or chartered yacht fleet,

• Serve as a multi-function package for marine research institutes, documentary film-makers underwater archaeology and surveying missions or

• Add new underwater options to luxury resort excursion packages around the world.

In addition to an increasing volume of private enquiries, Triton reports a significant and growing demand from the non-profit and commercial sectors for submersible charter. With very few submersible charter opportunities available globally, SHADOWLARK is anticipated to gain considerable attention as a charter investment.  

With an 8.5-metre beam, and a draft of 1.5 meters, SHADOWLARK includes a dive center, lounge, galley, bar and storage over three decks. In addition to a four-person crew capacity, it also offers stowage for a tender, and a pair of jet skis. 

“Because all SHADOWCAT vessels are fully bespoke, this highly capable concept can be constructed as is or can serve as a starting point for a more customized option. For example, we can enlarge SHADOWLARK to house bigger submarines or to make room for additional leisure and entertainment areas,” said SHADOWCAT founder Robert Smith. “As evidenced by award-winning Hodor and recently delivered Wayfinder, SHADOWCATs are designed to carry the best toys in the world. We are keen to collaborate with submersible industry leader Triton Submarines on the development of this innovative new offering to meet the growing needs of this emerging market.”

“SHADOWLARK is a purpose-built craft specifically designed and engineered to safely, efficiently and effectively launch, recover and support a Triton submersible,” said Patrick J. Lahey, president and co-founder of Triton Submarines. “Our goal is to make it possible for more people to own, operate and enjoy exploring the ocean from the comfort and safety of a Triton submersible. By collaborating with SHADOWCAT, a company with a demonstrated track record of success in developing commercially-rated support yachts, we are assured of SHADOWCAT’s efficacy while staying true to the objective of creating an affordable, efficient, safe and entirely practical platform. Clients around the world can now enjoy the simplicity, elegance, excitement and safety of exploring the ocean in a Triton submersible supported by a craft that can be operated affordably, but with absolutely no compromises in terms of its capacity to do the job it was built for. Triton looks forward to working together with SHADOWCAT on the creation this remarkable and much needed craft.”

Triton Submarines is the only manufacturer of personal submersible craft to achieve Full Ocean Depth certification. Each submersible is built with the industry’s clearest acrylic pressure hulls; nearly 360-degree views; and ergonomic, beautiful and comfortable interiors. Weighing 8,000 kg (17,640 lbs.), the Triton 3300/3 MKII submersible is 4 x 3 x 2.6 metres (13.1 x 9.8 x 8.5 feet) and has a payload of 800 kg (1,760 lbs.). The submarine features a speed of three knots, a single-lift point and is largely customizable to an owner’s tastes.

As the flagship submersible of the Triton model range, and with the tenth unit currently under construction, the Triton 3300/3 MKII submersible is delivered with full third-party classification society certification (DNV) and exceeds the most stringent safety regulations. The Triton 3300/3 MKII gained fame for its starring role in a number of recent international documentary hits, notably including Will Smith’s Welcome to Earth and the BBC’s Blue Planet II, the latter of which included over 500-hours diving time.

Australia-based Incat Crowther, the exclusive partner for SHADOWCAT, provided SHADOWLARK’s naval architecture and marine engineering plans.