Damen delivers fast crew supplier for Abu Dhabi operations

NOVEMBER 9, 2016 — Allianz Middle East Ship Management and Maritime Craft Services (MCS) have taken delivery of the MCS Allianz Venus, a Damen Fast Crew Supplier 2610.

Demonstrating the cooperative relationship between the two companies, the new vessel will offer safe and cost efficient crew transfer services for up to 50 passengers to and from the Abu Dhabi oil fields.

The two companies welcomed guests on board the new vessel in a festive celebration during this year’s Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC). Business associates and clients were given a tour on board the vessel at the Emirates Palace Marina.

“We are very proud to see another FCS 2610 enter service in the Middle East oil and gas industry,” says Damen Sales Manager Middle East Teun Haverkort. “A great result of three companies combining their expertise to reduce operational costs and to create a higher standard in safety and crew comfort.”

Damen Shipyards delivered the vessel from stock after carrying out a number of adaptations to make it OPCO compliant in preparation for operations in the Abu Dhabi oil fields, where it will soon start work on its first contract.

The most significant modification was made to the passenger accommodations, while the five man crew accommodations were upgraded to allow for extended offshore duties.

“The passenger capacity has been increased to 50 persons – making for cost effective and safe crew transfer services for the oil and gas industry in the region,” says Mr. Haverkort. “This represents a truly viable alternative to helicopter transfers.”

Underscoing this last point, the vessel’s 90 sq,m of deck space is enough to accommodate two 20 foot containers.

“The outfitting also included upgrading the 5-man crew accommodation to allow for extended offshore duties,”

Allianz Middle East Ship Management is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Allianz is a maritime service provider and specialises in the provision of marine transportation services to the offshore oil and gas drilling and production industry.

Scotland-based MCS operates an international fleet of tugs and workboats active in the a wide range of sectors that include dredging support and marine construction in addition to crew transfer operations for both the offshore wind and oil and gas industries. MCS has more than 10 years of experience working in the Middle East.

Allianz and MCS have a long working relationship that draws upon their operational knowledge and crew transfer experience. The purchase of this new FCS 2610 marks an extension of their collaborative association.

Damen’s FCS 2610 design showed its first signs of success while performing crew transfer duties for the North Sea offshore wind sector. To this day, the vessel operates at 25 knots and provides operators with safe and swift passenger and cargo transfers.

The vessel’s seakeeping is perhaps its most crucial aspect though – a smooth ride ensuring that offshore personnel reach their destination in a fit and healthy state.