UAE: Topaz Takes Delivery of Two MAN-Powered AHTS Vessels

Topaz Takes Delivery of Two MAN-Powered AHTS Vessels

MAN Diesel & Turbo’s medium-speed propulsion packages have gained another foothold in Middle Eastern offshore operations. After successfully completed sea trials, Abu Dhabi-based Adyard has earlier delivered the ‘Topaz Dignity’ – which is now followed by the ‘Topaz Triumph’ AHTS.

Topaz Energy and Marine, a subsidiary of Oman-based Renaissance Services SAOG and a regional leader in providing offshore support vessels and engineering services, has passed yet another milestone in its 35-year history by building two Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessels.

The two 67-metre, ’80-ton bollard pull’ vessels are ready for anchor handling tug supply services and the transportation of dry and liquid cargo to and from pipe-laying barges, drilling platforms and production platforms for offshore operations. The Topaz Dignity will operate on behalf of BP, the oil and gas major, on a long-term-contract basis in the Caspian Sea – whilst Topaz Triumph may remain in the Middle East and be operated by Topaz Marine MENA. The state-of-the-art vessels are equipped with the latest technical equipment and are custom-built for Fi-Fi Class I and DP2 operations.

Propulsion package

Topaz Takes Delivery of Two MAN-Powered AHTS Vessels The twin-screw propulsion package for each vessel consists of 8-cylinder, medium-speed MAN L27/38 engines of 2,720 kW each, horizontal offset reduction gearboxes with an CPP servo oil distribution unit, and a 1,500 kW shaft alternator PTO. The gearboxes drive approximately 18-metre intermediate shafting, and 13 metre propeller tailshafts in oil-lubricated stern tubes. The MAN Alpha CP Propellers are 2,800 mm diameter ducted, turning 198 r/min at MCR. The propeller thrust and pulling power is boosted by Alpha High Thrust nozzles, customised to hull integration with a length/diameter ratio (L/D) of 0.6. The Alphatronic 2000 Propulsion Control System is configured with twin control stations on both main bridge, aft bridge and in the engine control room – including interfaces to joystick and dynamic positioning systems.

Performance

Upon completing sea trials for the Topaz Triumph – Topaz Marine, Project Manager, Stewart Smith, expressed his satisfaction with the propulsion system and vessel performance in general: “Everything fulfilled our expectations. Compared to the estimated design speed of 13.5 knots for the vessel, we even achieved a radical increased top speed of 15 knots”. Additionally, a bollard pull test verified the vessels’ pulling power specification by achieving a test result of 87 tons.

M/V Topaz Dignity and M/V Topaz Triumph Main Particulars

L oa (m) / 67.4

L pp (m) / 59.4

Breadth mld (m) / 16.0

Depth main deck (m) / 6.8

Design Draught (m) / 4.8

Max. Draught (m) / 5.7

Cargo deck area (m2) / 400

Accommodation (persons) / 42

Propulsion power (kW) / 5,440

Bollard Pull (t) / 80

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Press Release, April 5, 2013