Atlantic Towing has selected newly-designed, ice-strengthened PSV 5000 vessels from Damen Shipyards Group to meet its 10-year offshore support contract with ExxonMobil Canada Properties and Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC). The vessels will operate in the sub-arctic waters of the Hibernia and Hebron oil fields, off Newfoundland and Labrador. The PSV5000s will join Atlantic Towing’s current fleet of nine offshore support vessels, playing a key role in the project’s iceberg-management program, as well as fulfilling standard PSV duties.
ATL will take delivery of four PSV 5000 vessels, one of which will be equipped for inspection, repair and maintenance duties. All four will share the same fully functional PSV design platform, with the first vessel due in service in the second half of 2016. Featuring Damen’s distinctive bow design, the PSV 5000 vessels will include cost- and emissions-efficient diesel electric power plant.
“These will be safety critical vessels, working in sub-arctic conditions in one of the world’s foggiest places renowned for strong winds, high waves, snow and icebergs," said Jan van Hogerwou, manager North America, Damen Shipyards Gorinchem. "All four will be benefit from iceberg management tools, while the IRM vessel will feature a 100 ton subsea crane equipped with an advanced heave compensation system for operation in the Grand Banks area.”
The combination of the PSV5000’s flare-less bows, slender hull lines and diesel electric propulsion with azimuth stern drives will minimise fuel consumption and emissions, offering superior sea-keeping and dynamic positioning, and ensure crew comfort in challenging sea conditions. Under Damen’s Clean Design and Environmental Care Protocol, the vessels will also feature fuel efficient generators and a selective catalytic reduction system, in compliance with forthcoming environmental regulations.
“The inclusion of Diesel Electric propulsion is a key attribute, providing efficiency, flexibility and reliability under varied operational conditions in remote locations,” says van Hogerwou. “For the crew DE delivers a far quieter working environment and a more comfortable vessel.”
As part of its contract, Damen has committed to open a Damen certified service and maintenance centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
