Dutch Damen Shipyards Group has handed over four new fast crew suppliers to Allianz Middle East Ship Management.
Images: Damen
Damen said on Thursday that the handover of the four FCS 2610 vessels took place between Ahmed T. Khalil , general manager of Allianz, Menno Kuyt , managing director Maritime Craft Services (MCS), and Pascal Slingerland , Damen regional sales director.
The four FCS vessels are equipped with hydraulically operated bow gangways which are, according to Damen, the first of their kind.
The company developed the gangways in cooperation with oil majors and vessel operators. They are adjustable and can facilitate transfer at any offshore structure with access between 0.5 and 2 meters in height.
Khalil said: “We are convinced that these new boats are contributing to providing our valued client ADNOC with a safe and enhanced logistic services solution.”
Slingerland added: “The FCS 2610 was originally developed for crew transfer in the North Sea offshore industry but has gone on proven its capabilities on numerous occasions with oil majors in the Middle East region.
“The further customization of these vessels will ensure their suitability to meet the requirements, both of the client and of operating in the region.”
The FCSs have been modified at Albwardy Damen to meet the operational requirements of the Middle East. At the same time, the gangways were installed, and the accommodation was prepared so that it could host over 50 people on board.
Allianz has also recently taken delivery of a Damen Multi Cat 3013, built at Albwardy Damen, as well as a Shoalbusters 3209 from Damen Marine Services. The new boats join three FCS 2610 vessels already in operation with Allianz.
The newly delivered FCS 2610 vessels will undertake work in the ADMA oil field in Abu Dhabi, providing logistics services and safe crew transfer, as part of a five-year contract awarded to ADNOC LS and ADNOC Offshore. The contract will begin on December 5, 2018.