Oceaneering International Inc., Houston, recently christened the 353'x72'x29'6" multipurpose advanced subsea construction support vessel (MPSV) Ocean Evolution. The new offshore service vessel was built at BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards before the Mobile, Ala.-based facility closed.
Oceaneering took delivery of the MPSV in April, and after completing final outfitting in Port Fourchon, La., began work in June.
Designed by Merin Teknikk Design & Engineering, Gurskoy, Norway, the DP-2, ABS-classed vessel is equipped with a 250-mt heave compensated National Oilwell Varco crane which can set loads on the sea floor in 4000m of water. There are also four other cranes onboard — two ROV cranes, a provisioning crane and an auxiliary crane.
The Ocean Evolution. Oceaneering International photo
Two of Oceaneering’s work-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) with AHC launch systems are standard equipment with the latest onboard operating and support facilities. The all electric ship has five Tier 4 GE engine generators plus a harbor generator to provide redundancy and flexibility to meet the variable power demands at any time. The new MPSV has a running speed of 13 knots.
Noise and vibration were given extra attention to ensure compliance with ABS HAB+ standards, designed to enhance the working life onboard for all crewmembers. The vessel is equipped to handle well stimulation fluids with below tanks and a nitrogen blanketing system.
Ocean Evolution features enhanced stationkeeping capabilities, which allows it to maintain position even during extreme weather conditions. The vessel’s position is held using two tunnel thrusters and a drop down thruster in the bow along with two Azipull thrusters in the stern.
The vessel serves the deepwater stimulation and intervention needs of Oceaneering's customers with its well stimulation and well intervention design, ABS Well Stimulation and Well Intervention (WS/WI) ready notation and under deck capacity to store special products.
The all electric ship has five Tier 4 GE engine generators plus a harbor generator to provide redundancy and flexibility to meet the variable power demands at any time. Alan C. McClure Associates photo
Alan C. McClure Associates (ACMA), Houston, provided technical support as owners’ engineer in the conversion from a European design approved by DNV, to a U.S. Jones Act-compliant vessel approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and classed by ABS. ACMA performed structural and stability analyses, powering studies and engine selection, propeller design reviews, dynamic positioning analyses, marine system and accommodations reviews and re-design, and participated in equipment FATs and dock and sea trials.
“The Ocean Evolution is a world class vessel ready to service the construction and intervention needs of our customers in deepwater,” Mike Ellis, vice president, subsea projects for Oceaneering, said in April. “We are excited about the upcoming integrated services that will be provided with this vessel when combined with Oceaneering’s portfolio of subsea products and services. This combination will provide unmatched productivity, safety, and value for many years to come.”
Capacities include 316,000 gals. of fuel; 3,900 gals. lube oil; 109,000 gals. special products; and 242,000 gals. potable water. Ocean Evolution’s 12,595 sq.-ft. (1,170 m2) steel-constructed deck is designed to carry heavy loads and equipment, which accommodates a wide variety of missions. The deck is rated to support 10 MT/m2 with a total cargo carrying capacity of 1,900 MT. The steel deck and on deck utilities including water, power, fuel and communications enables easier and faster loading, welding tie down and hook up of specialized deck equipment during project mobilizations and demobilizations.
