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The Dutch shipbuilder, Damen, has announced a number of contracts involving clients operating in the Middle East region.
Abu Dhabi-based Allianz Middle East Ship Management and Maritime Craft Services (MCS) of Scotland have taken delivery of a Damen Fast Crew Supplier 2610, which will offer crew transfer services for up to 50 passengers to and from the Abu Dhabi oil fields. With the vessel available from stock, Damen carried out a number of adaptations to make it OPCO compliant. This meant preparing the vessel – called MCS Allianz Venus – specifically for operations in the Abu Dhabi oil fields, where it will soon start work on its first contract.
The most significant modification was made to the passenger accommodation. Damen points out that capacity has been increased to make it a viable alternative to helicopter transfers, while the vessel’s 90m2 of deck space is big enough to accommodate two 20 ft containers.
Allianz and MCS have a long working relationship, drawing on their operational knowledge and crew transfer experience. The purchase of this new FCS 2610 signifies an extension of their collaborative association.
Furthermore, Jawar Al Khaleej Shipping LLC (JAK) has signed a contract with Damen Shipyards Group for the supply of three vessels, including one Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 5009 and two ASD Tugs 3213. JAK is a leading provider of specialist services to the offshore oil and gas sector in the Gulf, delivering logistical support, including oil terminal support services, towage and salvage, together with other integrated offshore solutions. Its current fleet is comprised of vessels including anchor handling tugs, support vessels, jack up barges, emergency oil spill response vessel, crew boats, heavy lift crane vessel and flat top barges.
The new 53m FCS 5009 is to be built at Damen Shipyards Antalya in Turkey and will be named Jawar Abu Dhabi. Due for delivery in early 2017, the vessel has a top speed of 25 knots and can carry up to 80 passengers.
The two ASD Tugs 3213, to be named the Jawar Faw and Jawar Um Qasr respectively, are being constructed at Damen Shipyards Song Cam in Vietnam. These are 32 m in length, with 85 tonnes of bollard pull, and will be used to handle VLCC tankers at offshore terminals.
JAK operates a fleet of tugs and supply vessels that support the Al Basra (ABOT) and Khor Al Amaya (KAAOT) oil terminals which, between them, handle more than 90% of Iraq’s crude oil exports. It is JAK’s responsibility to keep the terminals operable in all weather conditions, and high winds occur frequently in the area south east of the Faw Peninsular. Only powerful tugs like the ASD 3213 can ensure an uninterrupted service manoeuvring the VLCCs that arrive at the terminals to take on crude oil. Both facilities are planning to expand their capabilities in the years ahead as Iraq increases its oil output.
