Superstructure aft psv

Accustomed to PSVs with superstructures located right forward near the bow, one would be forgiven for thinking that Vik-Sandvik?s novel design, codenamed VS 493 Avant, was a traditional short sea cargo ship. The design is the first platform supply vessel with the superstructure arranged aft.

The first example of this revolutionary concept is being fitted out at the Norwegian shipyard Aker Langsten AS in Tomrefjord for compatriot offshore shipowner Eidesvik Shipping AS, of B?mlo. Delivery is scheduled in October 2004 and, although the hull was built at Aker?s yard in Tulcea, Romania, most of the vessel?s equipment is being supplied by Norwegian companies. The newbuilding will be 92.70 metres overall length, with a beam of 20.40 metres, depth to main deck of 9 metres, deck area of 1,040 square metres and a deadweight of 6,200 tonnes. A typical cargo will consist of 3,600 tonnes of pipes.

The diesel electric power plant will comprise of four 1,800kW diesel gensets powering two 3MW compact Azipod propulsors with four bladed fixed pitch propellers giving a service speed of 16 knots. Accommodation for the 20 crew will be of a high standard comprising of 16 single berth and two double berth cabins.

The VS 493 Avant is designed with the focus on comfort, safety and cost. Moving the superstructure aft provides reduced noise levels; a safer bridge layout; better hull lines; lower building cost, a better DP plot; simplified cargo area and safer loading and discharging. Other advantages are improved station keeping capabilities, less exposure to damage to the superstructure, reduced acceleration and movement in living quarters and improved bow heading during loading/unloading.

When delivered later this year, the newbuilding named Viking Avant will be chartered by the government owned Statoil for five years in connection with the Sn?hvit development. The contract will include two renewal options of one year each and the newbuilding will be used initially as a supply and stand-by ship for Polar Pioneer during the drilling of wells on Sn?hvit.