VESSEL REVIEW | VMS Sky – India's Vinayak Marine Services welcomes versatile crewboat to fleet
Indian offshore support vessel operator Vinayak Marine Services (VMS) has taken delivery of a new crewboat built locally by Synergy Shipbuilders N Dock Works.
VMS Sky was built to a design by Vector Marine and Offshore Technology. The design was developed in compliance with Indian Register of Shipping class requirements and IMO High-Speed Craft (HSC) Passenger Category A standards.
According to the builder, VMS Sky is also India’s first HSC-compliant aluminium crewboat.
"Vessels of this size must achieve an optimal balance between lightweight construction, structural strength, passenger comfort, and high-speed performance," Synergy Shipbuilders told Baird Maritime. "Aluminium construction is tricky but particularly advantageous as it guarantees weight reduction, improved fuel efficiency, and the ability to meet stringent HSC Passenger requirements."
The builder said executing a high-speed aluminium vessel project at this scale required tight weight control, precision fabrication, and rigorous quality management throughout the construction and trials.
Carrying capacity ideal for light to medium supply duties
The newbuild has an LOA of 29 metres (95 feet), a moulded beam of seven metres (23 feet), a maximum draught of only 1.45 metres (4.76 feet), a moulded depth of 3.2 metres (10 feet), a gross tonnage of 168, and seating for up to 48 technicians and 12 crewmembers. Particular attention was given to safety and operational reliability alongside speed.
"The owner required a high-speed crewboat for operation on the West Coast of India for transferring crew and cargo," Synergy Shipbuilders said. "She was built for service at the Bombay High oil field, which is India’s largest offshore oil field."
The aft deck has approximately 155 square metres (1,670 square feet) for the transport of various payloads, allowing the vessel to be used for limited logistical support as a complement for larger dedicated platform supply vessels. She is also configured for towing and standby duties.
Propulsion setup configured for heavy duty use
Two Caterpillar C32 diesel engines that each produce 1,300 hp (970 kW) at 2,100 rpm drive Teignbridge propellers via Reintjes WVS 430 gearboxes enable the crewboat to reach a maximum speed of 22 knots – to permit faster turnarounds in port, thereby maximising utilisation – as well as a cruising speed of 15 knots. The builder said this arrangement provides a reliable and efficient propulsion solution suited for high-speed crew transfer operations.
A Quick BTAC 513-750 bow thruster provides additional lateral manoeuvrability during berthing/unberthing and transfers while two Perkins 93.6kW generators supply electrical power for the various onboard systems.
Fuel oil and freshwater capacities are 23 cubic metres (5,100 gallons) and 13.53 cubic metres (2,976 gallons), respectively.
"The propulsion package has been carefully selected to optimise reliability, maintainability and lifecycle cost for Indian offshore operations," the builder said.
Full electronics and deck equipment suite
The crewboat also features a sewage treatment plant, a fixed CO2 fire suppression system, main and emergency firefighting pumps, and six liferafts of various capacities to be used should evacuation become necessary.
The electronics suite consists of a radar, MH/HF radios, and an AIS from Furuno; VHF radios from Icom; a Hanshin echosounder; a magnetic compass and a GPS from Simrad; a MacMurdo SART; an area A3 GMDSS; and satellite communications gear from Sailor.
Anchors and winches have been fitted to facilitate secure berthing and alongside operations.
Overcoming challenges through coordination and improved accuracy in construction
"Since VMS Sky is the first in the series of vessels ever built by an Indian yard and under the flag and class rules, there were key challenges," the builder told Baird Maritime. "The first was to get all the drawings approved in a timely manner, and the second was to get the necessary equipment as per the rule requirements.
"The key here was to ensure all the approvals were well coordinated with the equipment deliveries in order to adhere to the timeline, which was of utmost importance."
Maintaining strict weight control while achieving structural integrity required for an HSC-compliant craft also proved challenging. In vessels of this class, even minor weight variations can directly impact speed, fuel efficiency, and overall performance, so disciplined material management, specifically for this boat, and precise fabrication were critical throughout the build.
"Another key focus area was achieving the high level of dimensional accuracy and weld quality demanded by aluminium construction. High-speed craft require very tight tolerances, careful distortion control, and rigorous quality assurance at every stage of construction and outfitting."
Synergy Shipbuilders said that through detailed planning, close coordination with the owner and the designer, and it in-house aluminium expertise, the company was able to successfully deliver the vessel in line with the required performance and compliance standards.
"VMS Sky is a first of its kind project and so it required a lot of further R&D and a fluid construction plan. However, the project also provided valuable reinforcement of several best practices that we will continue to apply to future high-speed aluminium builds. We expect to carry these learnings forward as we continue to expand our portfolio."
VMS Sky has already entered operational service with VMS. She has been deployed primarily off the western coast of India, supporting offshore energy activities in the region.
"The introduction of VMS Sky primarily addresses the owner's need to replace its ageing fleet," Synergy Shipbuilders told Baird Maritime. "The vessel offers improved operational efficiency, safe crew transfer services, a reduced maintenance burden, and better fuel efficiency and lifecycle performance compared to other vessels."
