VESSEL REVIEW | Zamil 80 – Fast supply vessel to support offshore energy activities in Arabian Sea

Singapore shipbuilder Lita Ocean recently handed over a new fast crewboat to Zamil Offshore Services Company of Saudi Arabia.

Zamil 80 is a low-draught, all-aluminium monohull vessel designed for the transport of cargo, heavy maintenance equipment, and personnel to and from offshore platforms.

High operating speeds possible even with significant cargo load

The new crewboat has an LOA of 59.8 metres (196 feet), a beam of nine metres (30 feet), a draught of only 2.15 metres (7.05 feet), a depth of 4.45 metres (14.6 feet), and space for 60 passengers plus 18 crewmembers. An open aft deck with a total area of 250 square metres (2,700 square feet) can transport up to 150 tonnes of assorted cargo.

The crewboat is powered by four MTU 16V4000 2,240kW (3,000hp) diesel engines coupled to ZF 7650 gearboxes driving Hamilton HT810 waterjets. Sea trials showed that this configuration will enable the vessel to reach a service speed of 28 knots even when carrying a 200-tonne payload, though the rated top speed is 36 knots.

Manoeuvrability of the DP2-certified vessel is enhanced by three Hydromaster 150kW tunnel bow thrusters, allowing safe docking and improved station keeping during transfers of cargo and personnel.

Two of the main engines are coupled to FFS firefighting pumps with paired 1,200 m³/hr water monitors and a shipboard water spray protection system that offers FiFi1 capability. Three Scania D109 300kW diesel generators will meanwhile provide ship service power.

Broad range of amenities ideal for extended offshore transits

The climate-controlled forward cabin features business-class seating for the passengers as well as three toilets, an office, a snack bar, and a fully equipped medical bay. The crew will be housed on the hull deck, which also features a large pantry, a mess, three toilets, and a laundry area.

An isolation room with a sealed door is also available on board.

Zamil 80 will be operated primarily in the Arabian Sea in support of the activities of Saudi state-owned oil producer Saudi Aramco. Another two crewboats from the same series are scheduled to be delivered to Zamil Offshore before the end of this year.

The crewboat was designed in compliance with the American Bureau of Shipping’s SMART and IDM-A notations as well as the latest MCVSR requirements from Saudi Aramco.