VESSEL REFIT | Esvagt Heidi – Platform supplier returns to service as North Sea standby vessel

Danish operator Esvagt recently welcomed a new vessel into its fleet following a comprehensive mid-life conversion program. Originally built by a Norwegian shipyard as a medium-sized platform supply vessel (PSV) for a local owner in 2012, the DNV-classed Hermit Prosper was later acquired by Esvagt. The vessel itself, which was originally designed and built with the goal of achieving an optimum combination of fuel efficiency and deadweight, has now been renamed Esvagt Heidi and features an array of modifications that will enable it to serve as an emergency response and rescue vessel (ERRV) optimised for work in the North Sea.

Measuring 83.4 by 18.05 metres and with a draught of 5.4 metres, the rebuilt ERRV features a prominent inverted bow, which Esvagt said provides a stable vessel even under severe weather conditions. This is a key attribute for operations in the North Sea, where high speed in headwinds and bad weather is often required. The wheelhouse provides all-around visibility for the bridge crew, allowing them to view operations on the vessel’s spacious aft deck.

Modifications to the vessel include the installation of batteries for the propulsion and the onboard systems, shore power charging facilities, an energy management system, comprehensively rebuilt switchboards, and improved automation systems. The vessel’s battery deck house also has a grid support unit for accommodating a hybrid diesel-electric power arrangement while the methanol tanks have been rebuilt to carry liquids under the OSV Chemical Code. The hybrid propulsion upgrades will reduce fuel consumption and emissions in addition to prolonging the lifetime of the diesel engines, which will in turn ensure the vessel’s suitability for sustained operations in the harsh offshore environment in the North Sea.

The main deck also has new prefabricated deck houses for accommodating rescue zones as well as fast rescue boats.

Esvagt Heidi will operate on charter with TotalEnergies alongside sister vessel Esvagt Leah, which also underwent a similar ERRV refit at the same shipyard in Norway.

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