Stapem Offshore’s New Dive Support Vessel Arrives in Angola

Stapem Beluga, the first of two Incat Crowther designed 18-meter aluminium dive support catamarans has arrived in Angola.

The vessel, recently delivered to Stapem Offshore, was built by Legacy Marine Group of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and will operate in the coastal waters of Angola to support of oil and gas exploration and production.

The vessel is equipped with a bow configuration specific to the landings on FPSO’s and platforms for safe transfer of personnel. It also has custom fitted NIBS fendering suited to the operational conditions.

Equipment fitted to the vessel includes a 3-man Unique Hydra Nitrox air dive system, complete with multiple video and two-way communication as well as data logging systems, onboard HP and LP air compressors, underwater welding facilities, Caviblaster underwater HP washer, full diesel engine driven hydraulics system for subsea tools and deck crane, twin aircondition units and FP duty and standby diesel generators.

The aft deck is configured to support diving operations and has full CCTV camera coverage. Dive ladders and Davits are also fitted to the aft deck.

The vessel is designed to work alongside a mothership and is not required to provide crew accommodations.

Its primary mission is to serve as an effective dive work station from which dive operations can be carried out on a 24/7 basis by a team of 14 personnel.