Vroon declares options for two more PX121 PSVs

OCTOBER 29, 2013 — Ulstein is to supply COSCO (Guang Dong) Shipyard Co. Ltd, China, with ship design, power and control equipment and on-site follow-up services for two further X-bowed PX121 platform supply vessels ordered by Vroon Offshore Services of the Netherlands as a result of declaring its options under an earlier contract (see story).

“These two vessels are part of the Vroon commitment to our business partners and will support us in meeting their service requirements in the best possible way. All at Vroon are excited to welcome these new vessels to our fleet in 2015,” says Jan-Piet Baars, Managing Director of Vroon Offshore Services.

“The PX121 is becoming increasingly attractive to oil companies as it offers a competitive combination of fuel-efficiency and cargo capacities/deadweight,” says Sigurd Viseth, Managing Director of Ulstein Design & Solutions. “This translates to a performance level that is usually expected from larger PSVs, but at a medium-sized PSV cost – delivering excellent value-for-money for the owner and operator. We’re delighted that Vroon sees the compelling benefits of this vessel. We expect to see more newbuilds of the same design type in the years to come.”

Each of Vroon’s four PSVs is scheduled for delivery in 2015 and intended for operation in European waters. Measuring 83.4 m in length, with a beam of 18 m, they will have a rectangular cargo deck of 830 sq. m and a load capacity of 4,200 tonnes (dwt).

Flexible tank capacities allow the PX121 to support drilling activities with longer and deeper boreholes and activities further from shore. In addition to tanks for oil, water and drilling fluids, the vessel also has two stainless steel tanks for flammable liquids or corrosive chemicals. Each ship will be equipped with dynamic positioning system Class II and meets the requirements of ‘Clean Design’, according to ABS class.

The PX121 has a maximum speed of approximately 15 knots and provides modern accommodation for 23 people.

The X-bow offers efficiency over a wide draft range, which is important for PSVs as they often operate with varying loads. It also has advantageous qualities in terms of motion and propulsion efficiency in moderate and heavy seas. Ulstein says that its innovative shape eliminates wave slamming and bow impact delivering better performance, while reducing noise and vibration, which in turn translates to enhanced crew comfort and safety levels