Offshore derrick barge gets propulsion system upgrade

The order, which includes six underwater mountable azimuth thrusters and four Bergen generator sets, is being supplied as part of a major three year upgrade programme to the customer’s specialist offshore vessel, Derrick Barge 50 (DB50), a heavy-lift derrick and pipe laying vessel based in the Gulf of Mexico.

The six thrusters are each capable of providing 44 tonnes of thrust and have a variable frequency electric motor drive and a fixed pitch propeller. They will interface with the vessel’s dynamic positioning system to increase the station-keeping capability of the vessel, allowing it to operate in more severe weather conditions. The new diesel-engine generator sets provide 19.2MW and, with the new thrusters, provide increased propulsion and electrical power to DB50.

DB50 is capable of lifting loads of up to 4,400 tonnes and laying pipe up to 0.5m in diameter in more than 2,750m of water.