Damen bags four ice-class PSV deal with Atlantic Towing

2014-07-08

Damen has been contracted by the US owner Atlantic Towing to construct four ice-strengthened PSV 5000-design vessels to support Canadian oil fields.

The four vessels will be on-contract to support ExxonMobil Canada Properties and Hibernia Management and Development Company, operating in the Hibernia oil field, off Newfoundland, and Hebron oil field off Labrador, with the first vessel due to enter service in the second half of 2016.

The 90 m-long PSVs will feature ice-strengthened flare-less bows, and operate on a diesel-electric driving stern-mounted azimuth pods, enabling operation “in sub-arctic conditions in one of the world’s foggiest places renowned for strong winds, high waves, snow and icebergs,” according to Jan van Hogerwou, North America manager at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem.

“All four will be benefit from iceberg management tools,” Hogerwou explained, “while the IRM vessel will feature a 100 ton subsea crane equipped with an advanced heave compensation system for operation in the Grand Banks area.” Each vessel also features 940cu m of deck area, two hangars for remotely-operated vehicles and two Fast Rescue Craft (FRCs).

Fuel efficient generators and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system will enable the vessel to comply with upcoming emissions regulations, including the 0.1% sulphur limit in the North American ECA, entering force in January 2015. “The inclusion of Diesel Electric propulsion is a key attribute, providing efficiency, flexibility and reliability under varied operational conditions in remote locations,” says Van Hogerwou. “For the crew DE delivers a far quieter working environment and a more comfortable vessel.”

Source from : Seatrade Global

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