Sri Lanka: Colombo Dockyard Signs Construction Contract for Four 78m MPSV

Colombo Dockyard penned contracts for the construction of four units of 78 m Multipurpose Platform Supply Vessels (MPSV) each with a 3,600 deadweight capacity for a Singapore based Ship Owner at an undisclosed price on 25th August 2011. Details of the Owner are not divulged due to an agreement of commercial confidentiality, with the Owner.

With the Offshore Support Vessel market on its way to a gradual recovery, the Owner has made the right strategic move, taking steps to beef up their ship assets which will enable them to grab opportunities which will be forthcoming during a period of up-turn in the market, in the near future.

The new orders are as a result of the Owner’s extreme satisfaction of the Shipyard, living beyond expectation of quality of material, workmanship and professionalism in executing the construction of the Two 130 Ton Bollard Pull Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels that are presently being built at Colombo Dockyard. These two Anchor Handlers were unfortunately slightly delayed in their deliveries, owing to an unprecedented delay in supply of large Anchor Handling Winches, manufactured in China by a Norwegian/Singapore based Supplier, but are now scheduled to be delivered in mid October and end November, 2011.

Up to date, Colombo Dockyard has built 4 MPSVs in its facility and 3 more are under construction for another Singapore based company. As a result of the proven competence and experience, the Shipyard has built up a strong international clientele, which is growing day by day, earning millions of foreign currency in to the local economy and providing employment to thousands of Sri Lankan Engineers and Technicians.

The latest additions to the Colombo Dockyard’s Shipbuilding Order Book, will take the Shipyard through the years 2012, 2013 and 2014 with an impressively heavy order book, especially considering the current global shipbuilding down-turn, which will undoubtedly make other shipyards in the region envious.

It was as early as in 2006 that the Shipyard identified a niche in the market and positioned it self to respond to new opportunities, by building up capacity and sharpening skills and competencies to serve a very highly complex niche, in the market, engaging companies operating in the offshore oil field exploration and production domain. This strategic decision taken long years back has reaped benefits, with Colombo Dockyard now being sought after, as a preferred Shipbuilder among major players in the industry.

These MPSVs are designed by Seatech Solutions International (S) Pte Ltd of Singapore and incorporates an oil recovery arrangement and operate as advanced PSVs as well as light construction support vessel, complying to SPS Code 2008 & Clean Design requirements of NKK, Dynamic Positioning, Fire Fighting Capability, Oil Recovery Capability, Capability to support ROV operations and these vessels shall be designed and built to accommodate 50T Active Heave Compensated Crane, an A-frame and heli-deck.

The main role of this MPSV is to supply, support offshore oil and gas fields around the clock and is capable of undertaking multi-purpose roles such as oil recovery, transportation of pipes, fresh water, diesel, methanol, bulk cement, stores, equipment, deck cargo, transfer materials between platforms and shore. The MPSV will have an endurance of 35 days and a cruising range of about 9,200 nautical miles. Designed for un-restricted operation worldwide and with an outstanding speed of 14.5 knots, the vessel can get to the desired location around the world as quickly as possible, minimizing downtime.

Twin controllable pitch propellers, twin high lift flap rudders and transverse bow and stern thrusters provide good maneuverability and station keeping ability. The vessel is controlled from twin maneuvering consoles fitted in the wheelhouse, forward and aft stations with “joy-stick” controls. The Vessel shall also be equipped with advanced dynamic positioning (DPS B) system which assures safe and more efficient operations while working in close proximity to oil platforms/ rigs, even under the harsh weather conditions. Being equipped with a fully automated bridge layout with alarm monitoring systems for periodic single man bridge operation, the vessel is classed with “BRS1” notation. The vessel is fitted with automated installations enabling machinery spaces to remain periodically unattended in all sailing conditions including maneuverings, qualifying it to be assigned with “M0” notation

The Vessel is designed to have an enhanced accommodation area for 50 persons. These accommodation areas are well-appointed and are aesthetically designed with special attention being made to noise and vibration levels and crew comfort onboard the vessel, thereby meeting compliance to ‘NVC(c)’ notation of the classification society.

The Vessel is also classed with “In Water Survey” denoting the vessel could be operated without being dry-docked for 5 years. Due to this, surveying the underwater parts of the Vessel could be carried out while the Vessel is still afloat instead of having to dry dock the Vessel for examination of the under water areas, as is conventionally done. This is a huge saving for the Owner. In addition, the Vessel is also equipped with Tail Shaft monitoring system (SCM) which is a huge advantage for the Owner in his quest for monitoring of temperature and condition in the tail shafts.

In addition to the dry bulk carrying capability, the vessel is also capable of carrying methanol, which is a low flash point liquid. In order to prevent any fire risks, a special deck foam fire fighting and prevention system has been installed for safety.

This Vessel shall be another green, eco-friendly vessel to be built by the yard, with lower fuel consumption, reduced NOx and greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition, the MPSV shall also be fully equipped with following eco-friendly measures.

- Approved Ballast Water Management Plan

- Grey water and black water treated before discharged to sea

- Green Passport, a comprehensive management approach of hazardous substances carried onboard

- Oily Water from machinery bilges provided with 5 ppm Oily Water Separator

- All oil tanks being protected to the MARPOL Annex I Regulation 12A

- Eco friendly refrigerant

- Having maximum sulphur content of 0.1% for Fuel Oil (FO)

The Vessel shall be designed, constructed and outfitted complying with the latest rules and regulations applicable to a Vessel of this type and size. The plan approval and survey during construction will be performed Class NKK of Japan. This project will be yet another first for Colombo Dockyard and Sri Lankan Shipbuilding; i.e. the first NK Class vessel(s) built by Sri Lanka and Colombo Dockyard PLC, epitomizing the ever growing relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka.

Characteristics:

Length overall – 78.00 m

Breadth – 17.00 m

Depth – 8.00 m

Design Draft – 5.50 m

Potable water – 750 m3

Diesel Oil – 1250 m3

Liquid Mud – 980 m3

Brine – 800 m3

Ballast Water – 850 m3

Dry Cement – 310 m3

Methanol – 140 m3

Complement – 50 men

Speed – 14.5 knots

Deadweight – 3600 Tonnes

Deck area – 725 m2

Classification:

Class NK: NSOffshore Supply Vessel (OSV), Oil Recovery Vessel (ORV) Fire Fighting Vessel – Type 1 (FFV1)(2400m3/hr, In Water Survey (IWS), Relative Density (Liquid Product Tanks 2.8), Tank Carrier (Flammable Liquid – Flash Point on and below 600C), Environmental Awareness (EA), Weather Deck Load (5T/m2 Upper Deck Aft of Fr 84), MNS, MO, DPS B, BRS, Crew Accommodation Comfort, DP Performance Capability.