Ulstein PSVs set for construction at new Brazil yard

Brazilian shipowner, Oceana Offshore, is set to build two platform supply vessels (PSV) based on the PX105 design from Norway’s offshore ship design specialist, Ulstein. The vessels will be built at the shipowner’s new yard, Oceana Shipyard in Itajai, Brazil.

The PX105 design is a large PSV, which incorporates Ulstein’s patented X-BOW hull line design feature. The XBOW is designed to improve the efficiency of the vessel, thereby reducing fuel and costs. Slamming and abrupt stops from waves are also said to have been eliminated due to the design.

“Our contract with Oceana includes designs and an extended main equipment package, as well as engineering and purchase support,” said Erik Andreassen, senior business advisor in Ulstein Design & Solutions.

The 4,700 dwt vessels, which will be 88.9 m long and 19 m wide, comply with Petrobras’ PSV 4500 tender and are intended for work in the Brazilian oil industry. Ulstein says that the vessels have a high operational window and can take on complex assignments far from shore.

Paul Kempers, Oceana Shipyard’s CEO, said: “We are very pleased to have Ulstein Design & Solutions as the designer of the first vessels to be built in our new shipyard in Itajai. Hopefully it will be a start of a long-lasting partnership between our companies.”

According to Andreassen, Oceana Offshore S.A. is funded by investment and engineering partners, P2 Brazil and BNDES (Brazilian Development Bank). The Oceana Shipyard is currently under construction in Itajai in the region of Santa Catarina, which is a maritime cluster of yards and related businesses.

The two vessels are scheduled for delivery in April and May 2016. Oceana has an option for two additional vessels based on the PX105 design from Ulsetin.