Search and Track Offshore Ships

Offshore vessels are involved in maritime operations such as constructing wind farms, bridges, drilling, etc. They work in deep waters and transport equipment to and from shores and oil and gas platforms. 

Technical Details of Offshore Vessels

These vessels are classified into various classes depending on their functions. Some of the most important offshore vessel types are discussed here.

Dimensions of Offshore Vessels

1. Drillships

• Length ranges from 150 to 300 meters.
• The beam ranges from 30 to 60 meters. 
• Speed: Average 12 knots

 

2. Semi-submersible vessels

• Length ranges (on pontoons): 70- 150 meters
• Beam ranges (at pontoons): 40-80 meters
• Operational depth: 100 to 3000 meters.

 

3. Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs)

• Length ranges: 50 to 100 meters
• The beam ranges from 12 to 20 meters. 
• Operating speeds average 12 to 24 knots.
• Deadweight Tonnage ranges from 1450 to 5000 DWT.

 

4. Jack-Up rigs

• Length ranges: 70 to 170 meters. The tallest built jack-up rig was 214 meters tall. 
• The beam ranges from 60 to 80 meters. 
• Operational depths: 120 to 170 meters. 

Uses of Offshore vessels

Transportation: Offshore ships like PSVs transport essential machinery, goods, and manpower to offshore platforms.

Drilling for oil and gas exploration: Drilling platform with self-elevating (extending)  legs used in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons in shallow waters. The drilling equipment can drill to depths of 600 to 3000 meters. 

Operational drilling: Offshore ships like semi-submersibles are developed to withstand high sea waves so that construction processes remain functional. Their ballasted pontoons aid in their buoyancy.

Engine power and performance

Offshore ships, especially the construction purpose offshore vessels, are run on hybrid modes; fuel and electric. They are equipped with dynamic positioning (DP) systems that provide them with location stability during operation at sea. For transport purposes, these vessels have high maneuvering abilities and strong propulsion systems. This is to ensure smooth operations even in challenging marine conditions. 

Advantages of Offshore vessels

1. Scientific research: Different activities at offshore platforms lead to research on the chemicals discovered and produced, the sea quality, and the marine population.
2. Energy access: The construction and maintenance of offshore wind farms have opened the door to using renewable sources for energy production. 
3. Coastal infrastructure expansion: The development of oil and gas platforms due to offshore vessels also leads to the expansion of coastal infrastructure, such as submarine cables.
4. Job opportunities: Different jobs in engineering, transportation, and logistics are created due to this industry.
5. Resistant to harsh conditions: Unlike many vessels, offshore vessels resist harsh marine environments. Complex engineering and safety operations in offshore platforms make operations efficient even in remote locations.

FAQs 

Q: What functions do offshore vessels perform?

A: Some functions of offshore ships include supplying food, equipment, and fuel to offshore platforms, personnel transportation, anchor handling, and drilling in the seas. 

Q: What are the different classes of offshore vessels?

A: Oil exploration and drilling vessels, offshore support vessels (OSVs), and construction and special support vessels.