IJmuiden, Netherlands-based Offshore Ship Designers (OSD) is to design a new compact but powerful offshore vessel for Netherlands-based Neptune Marine Service.
The order follows a recent contract for the design of two Azistern24/56 tugs for Singapore-based Pacific Offshore Engineering and Trading (POET). The key to both designs is that although the vessels will have the capabilities of much larger tugs and offshore support vessels, their smaller size reduces both capital outlay and on-going operational costs.
The Neptune contract is for the basic and detailed design of a 44-metre AHTS that will be used for anchor handling, ocean towage and wind farm construction support duties. The 70-tonne bollard pull vessel is designed for worldwide operation, high reliability and low maintenance costs. There is accommodation for 22 persons. Two main propellers with nozzles and three transverse thrusters will give the vessel DP-1 station keeping ability. The detailed design will be ready by October and the vessel is intended to enter service in the second half of 2012.
The Azistern24/56 vessels to be designed for POET are the first in a series of fuel efficient designs developed by OSD Holland. Based on a load line length of less than 24 metres, the design range can be upgraded to 70 tonnes bollard pull. The POET vessels will have an LOA of 25.85 metres, beam of 10.8 metres and be powered by twin Cummins QSK-60 main engines and Rolls-Royce azimuthing thrusters delivering 56 tonnes bollard pull and a speed of 11.5 knots. The vessels will have a very high degree of manoeuvrability and be suitable for working in tight spots. Construction of the vessels will start at the end of May 2011, and delivery will be early 2012. Both vessels will be outfitted with Class 1 fire-fighting equipment.
