UAE builder Asis Boats has delivered three new rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) to offshore operator Saipem Netherlands for use in the waters off Saudi Arabia.
The RIBs are custom-built for platform support duties. Each has a length of eight metres, an FRP-reinforced hull, and a specially developed foam tube comprised of a combination of closed cells memory foam and air, allowing redundancy and reducing the service requirement in order to increase productivity and minimise downtime.
The craft are certified under category "B" for offshore use with 15 passengers onboard.
With the imposed restrictions on boats operating around and nearby offshore oil and gas platforms, the three RIBs have been fitted with diesel engines. Two are powered by OXE diesel outboards of 111kW each and the third boat is powered by a Yanmar 4LHA-DTZP diesel paired with a Hamilton waterjet.
The RIBs also feature folding dive ladders with platforms, front boarding steps with handrails, and non-skid protective patches on the tubes.
