In marine services in general, and personnel transport in particular, the constant striving for operational excellence is a core concern. It is by following this line of action that Bourbon Mobility has built its leadership on this ambition for over 30 years, notably via its modern fleet of vessels. The renewal of a large part of this fleet today is symbolized by the delivery of the first Surfer of an order of 5, which has just started operating in Gabon. Some explanations from François Leslé, CEO, and Vincent Trouillet, New Building Project Manager.
 

Code name S200X. A stealth aircraft? The SUV of the future? No, under this enigmatic name lies the new jewel in the crown of Bourbon Mobility's interfield fleet, which prefigures the company's Surfers for the mid-term. "It seems totally coherent to us, as we continue to develop our standards of operational excellence, to also develop our fleet of vessels," explains François Leslé. "Beyond the symbol, it is a strong signal that we are sending our clients. Our vessels are far from having reached their age limit but we prefer to anticipate and to be able to offer our passengers a reliable and comfortable means of transport, by maintaining a fleet with an average age of 8 years. For the satisfaction of passengers, but also for that of our clients, who can only be impressed by the entry into service of this S200X series."

So, 5 new Surfers, but nearly 40 vessels in total should join the Bourbon Mobility fleet within the next 3 years. "This program concerns both the 18-meter Interfields vessels and the 38-meter Crewliners that will be equipped with new-generation engines and cabins with an innovative design. Not a revolution but a true evolution that we are initiating by capitalizing on our unique experience on the market. Our motto: practical innovation. Importantly, these vessels will be connected, which will foster the implementation of new ways of operating, focused on the rationalization of rotations..."

The Interfield S200Xs that have just joined their operating region in West Africa are the result of the study of our clients' needs over the last 25 years. "This type of Surfer is very codified in terms of length, power and passenger numbers. To ignore these codes would be senseless, both for us and our clients. So, we have striven to optimize the entire vessel within a precise framework – an exciting challenge!" highlights Vincent Trouillet. "The main beneficiary is the passenger, who is the focus of all our attention: we offer 30 real seats, optimum conditions of comfort, increased legroom, very high-quality seats and the possibility to charge electronic devices. The new design also reduces the direct exposure of glass surfaces to sunlight and improves interior temperature control." So, more comfortable but also improved reliability and safety thanks to an unprecedented level of equipment, notably in the wheelhouse. "Perfection does not exist, but this series goes a long way to erase the gaps identified on the other vessels in this category. It is totally in line with the level of operational excellence that we have set ourselves and which we owe our clients," concludes François Leslé.