BMT has announced the launch of its 182' (48-meter) service operation vessel (SOV).

The new SOV is designed for safety, comfort and efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

With the high cost of SOVs, operators in the offshore market are looking for cost-effective solutions for offshore O&M with the benefit of reducing OPEX costs, BMT said. Midsized vessels that sit between CTVs and SOVs provide a more cost-effective solution to achieving offshore operational requirements.

Incorporating an advanced methanol-ready design, the BMT SOV features an optimized hull form and machinery configuration, built on a dynamic diesel-electric platform. This approach is designed to ensure not only enhanced operational efficiency, but also a significant reduction in environmental impact, BMT said.

The vessel's unique SWATH hull design enables operations in challenging sea conditions and significantly boosting seakeeping capabilities and uptime.

The SOV is designed to provide comfort for 40 technicians and 16 crewmembers. The vessel features spacious, single-occupancy cabins, complete with entertainment hubs, lounges, a gym, and a sauna, creating an optimal living and working environment.

Productivity is at the heart of the vessel's design, featuring a 30-meter motion-compensated gangway for easy access, an ergonomic layout for safe and seamless workflow, and a unique hull design that minimizes noise and vibrations, enhancing the onboard experience, BMT officials say.

Aligned with BMT's vision of innovation, the 182' SOV is equipped to facilitate autonomous technology, featuring an adaptable ROV bay, a control room for ROV operations, and the flexibility to host uncrewed surface vessels (USV) up to 16.4'. It also includes a dedicated bay for an 27.8' daughter craft, showcasing the vessel's versatility and forward-thinking design.

"In an industry facing rapid changes, the BMT 48m SOV is a testament to our commitment to leading innovation in offshore vessel design,” Alex Blake, BMT's senior naval architect, said in a statement. “Drawing on our extensive experience and understanding of market needs, this vessel is not just a response to current demands but a proactive step into the future of offshore operations, setting new standards in efficiency and environmental responsibility."