BP 'Pacesetter' The Dyno-Plane Project
A Vision for the Future of North Sea Provisioning & Transport
In a bid to improve efficiency and safety, BP commissioned the Pacesetter with the hope of scaling it as a reliable North Sea provisioning and crew transport vessel. Concerns over the high operating costs and risks associated with helicopters drove the need for a more innovative solution.
The BP Dyno-Plane, as part of this pioneering initiative, represents a step forward in high-speed, low-cost transport across the challenging waters of the North Sea. With its unique design and emphasis on performance, the Dyno-Plane is a bold leap into combining cutting-edge technology with practical maritime solutions.
Objective: To develop a vessel capable of replacing traditional helicopter transport for crew and supplies.
Challenges: Addressing high operational costs and safety concerns of existing methods.
Innovation: The introduction of hydroplane technology to optimise speed and efficiency.
The BP Pacesetter was a high-speed catamaran-style boat built in the late 1970s. It was designed for BP (British Petroleum) to serve as a North Sea provisioning and crew transport vessel. The boat was intended to be an alternative to helicopters for transporting personnel and supplies, especially in hazardous environments like the North Sea.
The BP Pacesetter made its first major appearance at the 1978 Cowes-Torquay-Cowes powerboat race, which was one of the most prestigious offshore powerboat races at the time. It was a significant milestone for both BP and the boat's development, demonstrating its potential as a fast and efficient transport vessel.
However, the Pacesetter was primarily used for testing and promotional purposes, rather than being part of a long-running racing career. Its design was ahead of its time, featuring innovative materials and gas turbine engines, but it wasn't until much later that it found a place in the realm of practical commercial use.
Project Overview
Current Status: We have now acquired the gas turbine for the boat and are undertaking a comprehensive strip-down for a full internal rebuild, marking a significant milestone in the project’s progress.
It all started when…
An exciting opportunity came our way to acquire another piece of maritime history — a remarkable boat powered by a gas turbine engine! Recognising the potential of this unique craft, we embarked on a determined search to find the rare engines needed to bring it back to life. After a dedicated hunt, we successfully secured several gas turbines to fit the vessel, unlocking a whole new chapter for our team.
Now, with this incredible second project underway, we’re thrilled to be working with some of the most advanced technology of its time. It’s a challenge unlike any other, and we can’t wait to restore this historic boat to its former glory — pushing boundaries and honouring innovation every step of the way.
