Stapem Offshore accepts delivery of newbuild DSV

The first of two ABS-classed 18-metre catamaran dive support vessels (DSV) built by South Africa’s Legacy Marine Group has been delivered to Paris-based Stapem Offshore.

The Marshal Island-flagged vessel Stapem Beluga will operate in the coastal waters of Angola to support oil and gas exploration and production.

The Incat Crowther-designed vessel has four fold-down dive ladders for water access, three swing davits for assisting divers, and one three-tonne hydraulic deck crane for additional operational support.

The aft exterior deck utilises available space by combining deck lockers and racks for diving equipment storage with a covered dive prepping area.

The bow design is configured for efficient interaction with personal transfer ladders of offshore floating production storage and offloading unit (FPSO) and platforms. Robust closed-cell polyethylene foam core fendering is provided around the perimeter of the vessel to protect it from damage.

The main cabin has seating for 14 people and a SL3 diving operations panel for monitoring dive operations.

Achieving speeds of more than 20 knots, Stapem Beluga is powered by two MAN main engines, each coupled to a Hamilton waterjet through ZF 360 gearboxes.

Two Fischer Panda generators provide electrical power for all dive operations.

Other items fitted below deck include a diesel-engine driven hydraulic power unit for powering the deck crane, a caviblaster system, low-pressure compressor and subsea tool system.