Damen Shipyards will unveil its new platform supply vessel (PSV) at Europort 2011 and will launch a complete PSV range in the next few months.
The PSV 3300 E3 is a dedicated supply vessel to transport supplies to oil and gas rigs and is specifically designed to perform safely in adverse weather conditions. The new range is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2012, with the first two vessels to be built at Damen's shipyard in Galati, Romania, for delivery in early 2013.
The new design follows on from the Damen PSV 3000, of which nearly 20 have been built so far. Input from the PSV 3300's Norwegian client and from operational studies carried out on Damen PSV 3000 vessels operating in the North Sea resulted in an eye-catching design. A modern hull and sleek bow has resulted in lower resistance and extremely good seakeeping behaviour. Slamming has been reduced to very low levels, which results in improved comfort and safety for the crew, vessel and cargo.
The new vessel series will range from 1,500DWT to 6,500dwt. The PSV 3300 E3 boasts a large 700 square metre main deck and can carry 10 percent more cargo than its predecessor. Despite a larger cargo capacity, the 80-metre vessel will have improved speed performance with the same engine size, facilitating significant savings in fuel costs and emissions. Although the PSV 3300 E3 series is primarily designed as a PSV, the vessels can also serve as a basis for other offshore support services such as diving support, drilling or well stimulation. The vessels can also play a role in oil recovery and firefighting operations. Accommodation is designed to the current standards in the 24/7 offshore industry and each cabin has access to the internet, radio and television.