The scaled up version of the Damen PSV 3300, PSV 5000 is sparking considerable interest from high profile orders after its launch last year.
The latest to recognize the benefits of this slender design, is Atlantic Towing (USA) which has ordered four ice-strengthened PSV 5000 vessels to meet its demanding 10-year offshore support contract with ExxonMobil Canada Properties and Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC).
The vessels will operate in the challenging sub-arctic waters of the Hibernia and Hebron oil fields, off Newfoundland and Labrador offering, as designers explained, “a far quieter working environment”.
One vessel will be equipped for inspection, repair and maintenance duties. All four will share the same fully functional PSV design platform, with the first vessel due in service in the second half of 2016.
Jan van Hogerwou, Manager North America, Damen Shipyards Gorinchem, says: “ These will be safety critical vessels, working in sub-arctic conditions in one of the world’s foggiest places renowned for strong winds, high waves, snow and icebergs. All four will be benefit from iceberg management tools, 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.”
The combination of the PSV5000’s flare-less bows, slender hull lines and diesel electric propulsion with azimuth stern drives will minimise fuel consumption and emissions, offering superior sea-keeping and dynamic positioning, and ensure crew comfort in challenging sea conditions.
Under Damen’s Clean Design and Environmental Care Protocol, the vessels will also feature fuel efficient generators and a selective catalytic reduction system, in compliance with forthcoming environmental regulations.
As part of its contract, Damen has committed to open a Damen certified service and maintenance centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador.
[mappress] Press Release, July 7th, 2014