Fassmer delivers research vessel

MAY 20, 2015 — Just 14 months after receiving a contract from Fugro OSAE, GmbH, the Berne, Germany, shipyard of Fassmer GmbH & Co KG, last month handed over the 43 m research vessel Sultan, completely equipped and fully on time.

The RV Sultan is a slightly modified version of the vessel SV Fugro Helmert, which the shipbuilder delivered to Fugro in 2013, and will be owned and operated by the General Commission for Survey (GCS) of Saudi Arabia 

The vessel is equipped with sophisticated survey systems in a modular concept, integrated into an efficient and flexible ship with a gross tonnage of only 497 grt.

The RV Sultan will mainly execute hydrographic and oceanographic surveys, out of her home port of Jeddah. A wide range of auxiliary winches and equipment can be arranged on the work deck, in flexible configurations and within short mobilization periods, along with two survey launches for shallow water operations.

With two rudder propellers the RV Sultan is able to sail above 11.3 knots at high efficiency and maneuverability. The vessel is powered by two diesel engines of 662 kW output in total.

With a length of 43.70 m and a width of nearly 10 m the vessel can be operated worldwide, and can accommodate 24 persons: crew, scientists and guests.

Characteristic features of the vessel are low underwater noise excitation for hydrographic purposes, short mobilization time for different deck equipment scenarios, including movable A-frame and davit systems locked to flush deck holding points.

The vessel is laid out to withstand high ambient conditions of max. 52°C air-, and 34°C water temperature, at an endurance of approximately 30 days.

Various hydro-acoustic equipment, multi-beam echo sounders, and sub bottom profilers are permanently installed. Heat emitting systems are confined in temperature controlled compartments. Collected data can be processed on board in dedicated, air-conditioned laboratories.

The bridge equipment includes radar, ECDIS, and GMDSS systems to A3 standard.The RV Sultan will perform her duties with a greatly reduced environmental footprint, in compliance with environmental regulations. The vessel was built in accordance with the Hong Kong Convention, and the IHM regulations. In-water survey certification allows inspections by divers, to reduce docking intervals to as much as 5 years. 

Technical Information

• Length overall: 43.70 m
• Molded beam: 9.80 m
• Design draft (DWL): 2.80 m
• Gross tonnage: 497 t
• Class Notation: GL + 100 A5 IW (Research Vessel) GL (+) MC AUT
• Speed: 11,3 knotsPropulsion
• Main Engine: 2 x MAN D2876 LE 403 , 331 kW /1800 rpm each
• Propeller: 2 x Schottel rudder propeller Type STP200, ø = 1.11 m
• Bow Thruster: Schottel STT60FP, 100kW
• Aux engine : 2 x MAN D2866 LXE30 244kW/1500 rpm each
• Deck EquipmentCrane: Palfinger PK 50002 SWL 3,0 t at 12 m in harbor condition
• Anchor Winch: Steen Type 030 size 10, steel constr.
• Anchors and Chain: DKF HHP, 2x 585 kg with 330 m chain, dia.24 mm
• Capstan: Steen Type 569, size 13 , electrically driven