VESSEL REVIEW | Britoil Journey – Chinese yard delivers platform supplier to Singapore operator

Singapore-based Britoil Offshore Services recently welcomed a newbuild platform supply vessel (PSV) to its fleet. Built by Guangzhou South China Shipyard to a design by a Norwegian engineering company, Britoil Journey belongs to a series of PSVs developed specifically to possess high carrying capacity and to operate in conjunction with work-over barges and jackup rigs.

The PSV has a length of 71.5 metres, a beam of 15 metres, a maximum draught of six metres, and a deadweight of 3,000. Space is available for 24 personnel, dry bulk cargo with a total volume of 210 cubic metres, and drilling water and mud/brine totalling 1,940 cubic metres in dedicated tanks.

The design utilises a PSV layout that is slightly smaller but can nonetheless support barges and rigs at lower cost compared to traditional offshore support vessels (OSVs). The work deck is enclosed by plate-covered crash barriers, hence providing increased safety for both crew and cargo. The discharge systems have been designed for the safe and efficient loading and discharging of several dry and wet bulk cargoes simultaneously. DP2 and automation systems for machinery and cargo handling meanwhile contribute to safe and efficient vessel operation.

The vessel is also fitted with a diesel-electric propulsion system as well as a number of energy-saving features in line with Britoil's aim of achieving greater fuel efficiency. The propulsion, which is fed by fuel tanks with a total capacity of 840 cubic metres, enables the vessel to reach speeds of up to 13 knots.

Britoil Journey was designed in compliance to Bureau Veritas' Supply Vessel-Oil product, Fire Fighting ship 1, Heavycargo deck, and CLEANSHIP notations.

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