Acquisitions of both new and secondhand offshore vessels, as well as vessel newbuilding orders, continue at a steady pace as January 2021 comes to a close. Interestingly, there are a number of innovative features and expanded capabilities, particularly among newbuilds, that can be interpreted as a sign that operators, designers, and builders are becoming more aware of what the market looks for in terms of efficiency and reliability.
Odfjell Wind crewboat begins operations
Offshore Windservice, a Danish subsidiary of Odfjell Wind, has begun operations of its newest crewboat, FOB SWATH 9.
The newbuild, which utilises a small waterplane area, twin hull (SWATH) design, has an LOA of 32.5 metres, a moulded beam of 11.5 metres, a maximum draught of 2.95 metres, and space for 36 passengers and a crew of four. Four MAN V12-1650 1,200kW engines connected to Marine Jet Power MJP 500 waterjets propel the vessel to a speed of 32 knots.
The vessel also features two Volvo Penta D5A 80kW generators, a Palfinger crane, a rescue net, a hydraulic gangway, an air-conditioned interior, two toilets with showers, and satellite TV and internet access. Most of the electronics including the radar, GPS, AIS, and echosounder were supplied by Furuno.
The crewboat is adequately equipped for emergencies with a pair of SOLAS-approved, 100-person life rafts as well as HSC Code 2000-compliant firefighting and life-saving devices.
FOB SWATH 9 is the second in a series of three ordered by Offshore Windservice from Norwegian builder Oma Baatbyggeri.
Atlantique Maritime Services to get new fast crewboat
Another crewboat will also enter service soon after the March 2021 scheduled delivery of an aluminium-hulled newbuild to French operator Atlantique Maritime Services (AMS).
Built by Damen Shipyards Group, JLD Jayce has a length of 26 metres, space for 24 personnel, and a speed of 25 knots.
AMS will operate the vessel out of Donges in the Pays de la Loire region in western France.
Saudi's Jana Marine Services takes delivery of 55-metre fast crewboat
Rounding up this week's string of newbuild crewboat deliveries is a recent one by Piriou's Vietnam shipyard to Saudi offshore operator Jana Marine Services.
The aluminium-hulled Jana 21 has a length of 55.1 metres, a beam of 10 metres, a maximum draught of 2.28 metres, space for 20 crewmembers, lounge seating for up to 60 passengers, and space for up to 226 tonnes of cargo on its 250-square-metre deck. Four 2,000kW engines driving waterjets give the vessel a top speed of 34 knots.
Jana 21 is DP2-equipped, making it ideal for operations in the harsh offshore conditions typical the Arabian Gulf.
Viking Supply Ships' newest PSV to operate in Norwegian North Sea
Dual-fuel engines are gradually gaining ground in the offshore vessel sector, the latest example of this development being the recent delivery of a new platform supply vessel (PSV) to Viking Supply Ships of Sweden.
Built by Poland's Remontowa and classed by DNV GL, Coey Viking is powered by a hybrid electric propulsion system wherein the main engine is designed to operate on either MGO or LNG.
Besides engines that offer improved operational flexibility, the PSV also boasts a DP system that will enable it to maintain position even in 35-knot winds and four-metre wave heights as well as a FiFi2 firefighting system and NOFO-certified oil spill response equipment, making it a highly versatile component of the Viking Supply fleet.
Coey Viking is currently undergoing mobilisation in preparation for its initial operation in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.
ICCB taps UK designer for customer landing craft
Small commercial landing craft are also proving to be prized assets in the offshore industry due to their adaptability to a broad range of specialities. Case in point: Dublin-based Irish Commercial Charter Boats (ICCB) has contracted UK naval architects Chartwell Marine to design a new 12-metre landing craft that will support offshore installation projects.
The bespoke aluminium vessel will be used to perform surveys, transport cargo and personnel, and assist in cable-laying. It will have two OXE diesel outboard engines and a shallow draught that will enable operations in depths of 0.8 metres.
The craft will be built at Arklow Marine Services. Launching is scheduled for this coming summer.
Harren and Partner launches offshore renewables support business following crane vessel acquisition
It's not just newbuildings that have been changing hands since the start of the year. In Germany, local conglomerate Harren and Partner Group recently launched a new offshore business following its acquisition of a 2010-built DP jackup crane vessel formerly owned by another German company, Offshore Wind Solutions.
Wind Lift I will be utilised on offshore wind maintenance and installation projects under Harren and Partner's new SAL Renewables brand. The vessel has a 500-tonne crane and an accommodation block that can house 50 people.
Blue Giant, a DP2 heavy lift ship owned by Harren and Partner, will join Wind Lift I in the newly formed SAL Renewables offshore fleet.
Brazil's PetroRio acquires intervention rig from local owner
Brazilian oil and gas company PetroRio has entered into an agreement to acquire the semi-submersible, anchored well intervention rig Atlantic Zephyr from local drilling operator Ventura Petroleo.
The rig will be deployed at the Tubarão Martelo oil field in the Campos basin, a site that began production for PetroRio in August 2020.
The company said in a statement that the acquisition of Atlantic Zephyr will eliminate the need to contract third-party rigs for field interventions, a process which would otherwise require several months before the vessel finally gets deployed.