Atlas: Support Vessel From Diverse Projects

A few purpose-built support vessels are available for megayacht owners seeking a secondary platform to stow toys, carry extra crew, and more. Most, however, exceed 500 gross tons. Diverse Projects, the Auckland-based project managers well versed in refits and new builds, wants to fix that. It has created Atlas, which can be fitted with a variety of components to suit various buyers’ needs.

Diverse Projects drew upon its knowledge of currently operating support vessels as well as its direct experience with them to create the 144-foot (44-meter) Atlas. The latter includes the conversion of Umbra, a Damen Sea Axe, into a shadow boat for the research yacht Alucia. Alucia herself was also previously refitted by Diverse Projects. And, the New Zealand company is in the midst of a six-month refit of Advantage, yet another Damen Sea Axe.

Knowing what owners typically want—and don’t want—Diverse Projects created various module-like packages for Atlas. “It’s a transformer,” says Lars Bjorklund, co-director of the company. “A purpose-built base boat, stripped down to basics allowing the owner to add the elements needed, to create the most cost-effective, high-yielding support vessel available.”

So what are some of those add-ons for Atlas? As the rendering above shows, you can have a helideck. A garage for a personal submarine, even a launch ramp for a big tender are possible, too, along with specialized lifting cranes. For research- and exploration-minded owners, Atlas can further feature containers for scientific equipment. Of course, you can request additional items to suit your needs. Given the 46-foot (14-meter) beam, and the waterline length matching the LOA, you have plenty of room to do as you wish. Want further proof? The total deck space is 2,862 square feet (266 square meters).

You also have plenty of power to ensure that Atlas can keep pace with your globetrotting adventures. Fitted with either Caterpillar or MTU engines, the support vessel should see a cruise speed of 20 knots and a 6,000-nautical-mile range at 17 knots. That, along with 12 to 18 crew onboard, means the vessel can be ready and waiting for you at a destination as you pull into port.

Engineering has already been completed for Atlas, so Diverse Projects says it can be put out to bid at a yard of your choice.

Check out this animation of how you can outfit Atlas: