CargoFlexX to Supply AHTS with Multipurpose Cargo Handling Systems

Dutch engineering company CargoFlexX has won an order to provide a new generation of multipurpose cargo handling systems for an anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessel. 

The 66-meter shallow draft AHTS was designed by the Netherlands-based consulting company Offshore Ship Designers (OSD) and it is being built at an undisclosed Turkish shipyard. Its construction commenced in January this year.

The system is capable of carrying dry as well as liquid cargoes in the same storage tanks. What is more, the changeover between the two cargo types can be done without entering the storage tank, according to the company.

In addition, it is possible to minimize the workload as well to optimize the system, CargoFlexX explains.

“The biggest challenge during the design of this particular system was the limited available space. As a result of the shallow draft design, the challenge was to create a system that needs to fit into a space of only 70% of the space normally available. Secondly, the system needed to be designed in such a way that entry of the storage tanks is not needed when switching from dry to liquid cargoes,” Sander Castel, CargoFlexX commercial director says.

As stressed by Castel, these somewhat harsh times with low oil prices and global political instabilities “create a market that needs innovative high standards and high quality solutions. “