Platform supply vessel
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A platform supply vessel (PSV) is a ship specially designed to supply offshore oil and gas platforms and other offshore installations.[1] They typically range from 50 to 100 metres (160 to 330 ft) in length and are distinguished by the large open deck area used to store supplies and house equipment and to allow for efficient loading and offloading. The primary function for most of these vessels is logistic support and transportation of goods, tools, equipment, and personnel to and from their destination.
They belong to the broad category of
Capabilities
Cargo
A primary function of a platform supply vessel is to transport supplies to the oil platform and return other cargoes to shore. Cargo tanks for
Dynamic positioning
Dynamic positioning (DP) is a computerised system which allows vessels to maintain a certain position or heading by controlling the thrust produced by the vessel's thrusters and propellers. As with most offshore vessels, DP is of critical importance to ensure that the vessel's position is maintained whilst loading or offloading is taking place; this is especially needed for locations with frequent severe weather conditions such as the North Sea.
A typical DP set-up for a PSV is two thrusters located at the bow of the vessel which can be supplemented by two
Support
Common and specialty tools are carried on the large decks of these vessels. Most carry a combination of deck cargoes and bulk cargo in tanks below deck. Many ships are constructed (or re-fitted) to accomplish a particular job. Some of these vessels are equipped with a firefighting capability and
Vessel types
- Anchor handling tugs supply (AHTS): Similar to PSV, they can anchor and tow floating oil platforms (jack-ups and semi-submersible ones)
- Multi purpose supply vessels (MPSV): Universal vessels able to provide a large variety of maintenance services. They are most of the time equipped with a high capacity crane (100 tons and more).[2]
- Fast Supply Intervention Vessels (FSIV): High-speed ships, (approximately 25 knots, 46 km/h, 29 mph) with a smaller deck capacity used for urgent deliveries or small shipments.
Vessel crews
Crew on these ships can number up to 50 crew members, depending on vessel size and working requirements. One example of a crew size of 13 consists of 4
Daily operations
Crews sign on to work and live aboard the ship an extended period of time, this is followed by similar period of time off. Depending on the ship's owner or operator the time aboard varies from 1 to 3 months with 1 month off. Work details on platform supply vessels, like many ships, are organized into shifts of up to 12 hours.
Living aboard the ship, each crew member and worker will have at least a 12-hour shift, lasting some portion of a 24-hour day. Supply vessels are provided with a "bridge" area for navigating and operating the ship, machinery spaces, living quarters, and galley and mess room. Some have built-in work areas and common areas for entertainment. The large main deck area is sometimes utilized for portable housing.
Living quarters consist of cabins, lockers, offices, and spaces for storing personal items. Living areas are provided with wash basins, showers, and toilets.
The galley or cooking and eating areas aboard ship will be stocked with enough grocery items to last for the intended voyage but with the ability also to store provisions for months if required. A walk-in size cooler and freezer, a commercial stove and oven, deep sinks, storage and counter space will be available for the persons doing the cooking. The eating area will have coffee makers, toasters, microwave ovens, cafeteria-style seating, and other amenities needed to feed a hard-working crew.
See also
- Anchor handling tug supply vessel
- Ebb Tide— an example of an early PSV design
- Yacht support vessel
References
- ^ "Platform Supply Vessels". EMAS. Archived from the original on 6 January 2016. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
- ^ "Offshore support vessels". Vartsilat. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
External links
- Media related to Platform supply vessels at Wikimedia Commons