Agile Capacity For Offshore Lifts

The first of two sisters ordered from Fuzhou Mawei, Brouwersgracht embodies a design which combines the intake of a multi-purpose vessel with a DP2 standard of dynamic positioning and the cargo handling muscle of two 500t mast cranes. This mix of attributes provides scope for offshore installation assignments as well as for engagements in the worldwide heavy load transportation market.

With 12,500t deadweight, an open-top notation, provision for two tweendeck levels, and maximum 5,900m² of deck space, the new DP2-B generation offers a significantly higher cargo carrying potential than existing vessels involved in delivery of equipment to offshore locations. Main dimensions are 141.3m length overall and 24.5m breadth, while draught in open-top mode is 7.8m.

The design promises continuity of offshore cargo transfer work in up to Beaufort 6 conditions. The rounded forward superstructure makes for improved aerodynamics both in transit and on site.

The two Huisman 500t cranes are fully-electric driven and their offset emplacement on seatings along the ship’s portside bulwark optimises deck space availability and hold accessibility. The full lift capacity is obtainable at up to 13.5m outreach to port, while cargo working as far out as 8m from the vessel’s starboard side still allows for 265t lifts.

So as to facilitate rapid and efficient loading and discharge of pipes both in port and offshore, the vessel is equipped with a removable, automated pipe handling gantry crane.

The DP2-B class is a showcase for Wartsila technology, including the nine-cylinder, 32-series medium-speed main engine of 5,300kW, controllable pitch propeller, four 20-series diesel generators of approximately 2,000kW apiece, and Pro-Touch propulsion controls. The considerable shipset of six powerful thrusters, comprising two tunnel thrusters and one retractable unit both forward and aft, has also been supplied by the Finnish group.

The exhaust streams from the propulsion and auxiliary machinery are treated by scrubber and selective catalytic reduction(SCR) systems to meet both regulatory requirements and corporate environmental goals.

Brouwersgracht departed Fuzhou for Singapore on 5 February, and is set to be followed into service by second-of-class Bloemgracht during May. Both have been booked for challenging pipe supply and installation jobs until April 2024, and will be technically and commercially operated by Spliethoff and sister company BigLift Shipping.