‘Pacific Gannet’ PSV named in Japan

Shipowner and operator, Swire Pacific Offshore Operations (Pte) Ltd (SPO) celebrated the naming of its first G Class PSV vessel, Pacific Gannet in Japan on Friday, 12 September 2014.

The naming ceremony was held at the Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU)’s Yokohama Shipyard and graced by Lady Sponsor, Mrs Mi Hyun Bray, the wife of Rupert Bray, Marine Services Director of SPO.

“The delivery of Pacific Gannet is another important milestone in SPO’s long term partnership with JMU. This is the first of 10 G Class PSV vessels that SPO has commissioned JMU to build over the next three years. The addition of the G Class PSV vessels will provide another industry leading product within our fleet portfolio, helping us provide our global clients with outstanding service,” says Managing Director of SPO,Neil Glenn.

100 vessels target

Today, SPO operates a diverse fleet of 88 offshore support vessels, including anchor handling tug supply vessels, platform supply vessels, ice-breaking supply vessels, anchor handling tugs, seismic survey vessels, windfarm installation vessels, accommodation barges and multi-purpose offshore vessels.

As part of its fleet expansion plans, SPO aims to have a total of 100 vessels by the end of 2015.
JMU has worked with SPO for a number of years, completing the construction of its four vessel H Class 4,700 dwt PSV series in addition to the current L Class series of 5,200 dwt PSVs. The most recent naming ceremony of the L Class vessel, Pacific Legacy was held on 17 July 2014.

“JMU is privileged to collaborate with SPO, one of the leading names in the oil and gas industry, on the building of this new series of PSV vessels for their fleet. We will continue to work closely with SPO to ensure that the G Class vessels are built to the highest standards of safety, reliability and quality,” says Representative Director, Vice President of JMU, Yoshio Otagaki.

The G Class vessels (4,000 DWT) are suited for a wide range of supply duties in the offshore industry. Powered by a diesel electric propulsion plant and equipped with counter rotating azimuth thrusters with variable frequency drives.

The tank arrangement allows for generous liquid capacities, with 969 m3 of cargo fuel. The efficient hull form and bulbous bow shape also ensure optimal fuel efficiency. The bulbous bow design takes into consideration various operating speeds, draughts and sea states that Offshore Support Vessels (OSV) typically operate in and is designed to maximise its effectiveness over a wide range rather than a tuned design point.

These vessels are certified with DP2, SPS and Clean Class notations and have high Environmental Regularity Number (ERN) of (99, 99, 99, 97). The 810 m2 clear deck space is designed to accommodate three lengths of drill pipe or casing with safe access for the deck crew and is able to facilitate a wide range of project required machinery and equipment. The cabin outfitting is MLC 2006 compliant and can accommodate up to 48 people.