Multipurpose offshore construction vessel to be based on Ulstein 'Deepwater Enabler' design
Toisa has recently signed a contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for the construction of a multi-purpose offshore construction vessel (MOCV), designed by Dutch design office Ulstein. The DNV-classed vessel is a customised version of Ulstein's 'Deepwater Enabler' design.
The DP3-capable vessel is designed for worldwide operations in the oil and gas sector, ultra deepwater installation and construction, flexible lay, pipelay, cable lay and topside construction support.
As such, the design has been developed for "maximum efficiency and cost effectiveness", featuring heavy lift capabilities with active heave compensation, two moonpools, a deck loading capacity of up to 50T/m2, and a distinctive Ulstein "X-bow".
The vessel measures 150.5 metres in length overal, with a beam of 32 metres and a design draught of 7.5 metres. According to Toisa, the vessel design includes a number of key features giving "maximum capability and flexibility". These features include a fully active heave compensated (AHC) offshore crane rated at 900 tonnes SWL with a depth capability of 3,500 metres, and a second knuckleboom crane of 200 tonnes SWL with depth capability of 2,000 metres.
Furthermore, the vessel has the ability to accommodate a 550T flex-lay tower over the main 8.4 metre x 8.4 metre moon pool and two 2,500-tonne capacity carousel spaces below deck. An enclosed ROV hanger is provided for deployment of two large work class deepwater ROVs to port and starboard or through a central moon pool; the latter is also arranged to allow the deployment of a deck mounted saturation diving bell.
Main propulsion is provided by three 3,350kW stern azimuthing thrusters, powered by a diesel electric plant of six main generators. The machinery spaces are divided into two engine rooms, each containing three of the main gensets.
All machinery, power and control systems are physically separated throughout the vessel in full complaince with the requirements for IMO Equipment Class 3 Dynamic Positioning. The design also features full compliance with the SPS Code, including arrangements to meet Comfort Class COMF-V(3), the highest working environment standard.
Accommodation for 250 persons is provided including spacious cabins, offices, operations rooms and recreational areas.
"What makes this vessel unique is that it is developed for coping with future requirements in mind", said Bram Lambregts, marketing and sales manager at Ulstein.
"The good and very close cooperation with both Toisa and HHI resulted in a very versatile vessel design."