Damen Shipyards introduces first vessel in new PSV series

Damen Shipyards is set to unveil its new PSV 3300 E3 Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) design at EUROPORT 2011 and will launch a complete new PSV range, with capacities from 1,500 dwt to 6,500 dwt,  in the next few months.Though primarily designed as PSVs, the platforms can also serve as a basis for other offshore support services such as diving support, drilling or well stimulation. The vessels can also play a role in oil recovery and firefighting operations.

The PSV 3300 E3 is a dedicated oil and gas rig supply vessel, specifically designed to perform safely in adverse weather conditions. The first two vessels will be built at Damen’s shipyard in Galati, Romania. Delivery is scheduled for early 2013.

The PSV 3300 E3 has an eye-catching design, with a well-designed, sleek bow. With a 700 sq.m main deck, the vessel can carry 10 percent more cargo than Damen’s former PSV. Even though it has a larger cargo capacity, the new vessel will have improved speed performance with the same engine size, facilitating significant savings in fuel costs and emissions.

The vessel follows on from the Damen PSV 3000 of which nearly 20 have thus far been built.

Damen has spent a lot of time on Research & Development and model tests of the new 80 m long vessel. This resulted in a modern hull with lower resistance and extremely good seakeeping behavior. Mark Couwenberg, one of the ship’s designers, describes the vessel as a “sea truck” because it offers efficient, reliable and safe logistics at sea.

He stresses that the new vessel type has benefited from design input from the PSV 3300’s Norwegian client and from operational studies carried out on Damen PSV 3000 vessels operating in the North Sea.

“We examined the logbooks and asked the crew to fill in questionnaires. We really looked at how these vessels were being used and all of this input was fed into the new PSV 3300 design. This added to extensive experience that we had already built up from our designs for the Brazilian market, where more than 15 of these vessels are operating to the full satisfaction of their owners,” says Mr. Couwenberg.

“We have spent considerable time on extensive CFD studies to investigate and optimize the hull shape. A model of the resulting hull has been tested at Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (Marin) to verify the results,” he adds. The slender hull reduces fuel oil consumption, not only in calm water but especially in rough seas.

Damen says that slamming has been reduced to very low levels, which results in improved comfort and safety for the crew, vessel and cargo. Safety and comfort have been given a high priority in the new vessel. Accommodations are designed to the current standards in the 24/7 offshore industry and each cabin has access to the Internet, radio and television.

The vessel provides a very safe working environment, especially on deck but also in all other working areas. Additionally, there is a safe, sheltered foredeck.

The Damen mind-set during the design process is to reduce the impact vessels have on the environment and to build ships according to the Damen E3 principles: Environmentally friendly, Efficient in operation and Economically viable.

“The starting point here was the right hull because this is vital in reducing fuel consumption,” stresses Jan van Os, Product Director Damen Offshore & Transport. “Every tonne of fuel saved translates to a reduction of emissions.”

In addition, the vessels meet the latest requirements of Clean Design and Environmental Protection standards of the major classification societies. The location of oil tanks, hull coatings, refrigerants, ballast water and other environmental aspects were also given special attention.

November 7, 2011