conference review technical developments
Innovations will enhance operations and safety
Technology is under development to extend the operating envelope of OSVs so that they can operate in greater water depths, and on more remote projects
O
ffshore vessels are being challenged to perform in deeper waters, more remote locations and to be more
environmentally friendly. Deepwater oilfield developments involving the installation of subsea infrastructure further from shore has a substantial impact on vessel design. There are challenges relating to higher mooring and towing forces and larger gear to handle, and lowering large subsea structures to the seabed in ever deeper waters. In addition, offshore logistics is becoming more complex and requires increased storage capacity and deck areas. Safer operations need better vessel stability and the presence onboard of specialist crew, and environmental awareness requires greener vessels. To overcome these challenges, innovation is needed in all areas of the vessel from its initial design to the deck equipment, storage tanks and propulsion. However, designers, owners and shipyards need to ensure that technological innovations fulfil the needs of the charterer, owner and crew and do not compromise safety. Developments should improve the safety and quality of seafarers’ lives, exceed regulatory requirements and enhance the operating envelope of the vessel.
All of these were issues covered by a range of specialised speakers, from shipbuilding, ship owning and the supply chain, during several sessions on technology innovation and OSV operations at the Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference. Geir Johan Bakke, president and chief
executive of shipbuilder Havyard Group, said innovative ship design should consider the lifetime of the vessel and include the knowledge from all parties involved, including the crew. “We must have suitable ships. OSVs should
be safer, of good quality, but more advanced, and easier to use. We should be looking at the whole of the vessel and the entire lifetime of the ship,” Mr Bakke told delegates. “We need to consult the total competence pool, including captains,
12 I Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference and Awards 2012
New technology such as the UDLS is helping the subsea sector move into deeper waters
chief engineers, owners, designers and clients. Technology needs to be user-friendly, improving life at sea.”
Jonathan Parkes, deputy managing director and commercial director of shipowner Hallin Marine, presented the technical challenges that tier-two subsea contractors face. For Hallin, there are growing contract opportunities for subsea intervention work because of the increasing
number of subsea wells installed annually.
But its vessels need to be able to operate in different areas of the subsea construction and intervention markets. Mr Parkes said shipowners should ensure
that their vessels are flexible enough to operate in shallow and deep water, and have facilities to support subsea repair and inspection work, undertake light construction duties or well
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