A newbuild platform supply vessel (PSV) has joined the fleet of Chinese offshore services provider Sinoocean.
The DP2-capable Guohai Minle was built by the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group, a subsidiary of China Shipbuilding Industry Company (CSIC).
The newbuild has a length of 83.4 metres, a beam of 18 metres, a full load draught of 6.7 metres, a depth of eight metres, a deadweight of 3,900 tonnes, and an aft deck with an area of 840 square metres with space for possible installation of an offshore crane and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) support facilities. Single-berth and double-berth accommodations are available for up to 30 people.
The vessel was also designed to carry flexible loads. In addition to dedicated cargo tanks for various contents such as oil, water, and drilling fluids, it has four stainless steel tanks for storing flammable liquids or corrosive chemicals. Among other things, this capability make the vessel suitable for the oil spill recovery role.
The PSV features an inverted bow and all-electric propulsion. The main engines drive a pair of azimuthing thrusters at the stern, and this arrangement delivers a maximum speed of 14.5 knots and a cruising speed of between 10 and 13 knots. Emergency power will be supplied by a 180kW generator while two 880kW tunnel thrusters at the bow provided added manoeuvrability.
The inverted bow meanwhile eliminates slamming and reduces impact, noise, and vibration in addition to allowing the vessel to operate safely even with varying draughts (as a result of changes in the total cargo load). The PSV is thus capable of improved performance compared to vessels with conventional hull designs while also offering greater crew comfort and safety as well as reduced fuel consumption. Anti-roll tanks are also fitted to further improve stability.
Secondary functions will include external firefighting with monitors that can discharge either water or foam.
Guohai Minle was built in compliance to DNV and China Classification Society (CCS) rules. It is one in a series of four PSVs, all of which are now operating under the China Oilfield Services banner on behalf of Sinoocean.
| Guohai Minle | |
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Type of vessel: | Platform supply vessel |
| Classification: | DNV; China Classification Society |
| Flag: | China |
| Owner: | Sinoocean Group, China |
| Operator: | China Oilfield Services, China |
| Builder: | Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group, China |
| Length overall: | 83.4 metres |
| Beam: | 18 metres |
| Draught: | 6.7 metres |
| Deadweight tonnage: | 3,900 tonnes |
| Propulsion: | 2 x azimuthing thrusters |
| Generator: | 180 kW |
| Side thrusters: | 2 x 880 kW |
| Maximum speed: | 14.5 knots |
| Cruising speed: | 13 knors |
| Freshwater capacity: | 1,061 cubic metres |
| Sewage/blackwater capacity: | 1,571 cubic metres |
| Accommodation: | Cabins |
| Crew: | 30 |
