Platform supply vessel

"Supply ship" redirects here. For offshore naval replenishment ships (AOR), see Replenishment oiler.

Platform Supply Vessel

A Platform supply vessel (often abbreviated as PSV) is a ship specially designed to supply offshore oil platforms. These ships range from 20 to 100 meters in length and accomplish a variety of tasks. The primary function for most of these vessels is transportation of goods and personnel to and from offshore oil platforms and other offshore structures.

In the recent years a new generation of Platform Supply Vessel entered the market, usually equipped with Class 1 or Class 2 Dynamic Positioning System.

Capabilities

Cargo

A primary function of a platform supply vessel is to transport supplies to the oil platform and return other cargoes to shore. Cargo tanks for drilling mud, pulverized cement, diesel fuel, potable and non-potable water, and chemicals used in the drilling process comprise the bulk of the cargo spaces. Fuel, water, and chemicals are almost always required by oil platforms. Certain other chemicals must be returned to shore for proper recycling or disposal, however, crude oil product from the rig is usually not a supply vessel cargo.

Support

Common and specialty tools are carried on the large decks of these vessels. Most carry a combination of deck cargoes and bulk cargo in tanks below deck. Many ships are constructed (or re-fitted) to accomplish a particular job. Some of these vessels are equipped with a firefighting capability and fire monitors for fighting platform fires. Some vessels are equipped with oil containment and recovery equipment to assist in the cleanup of a spill at sea. Other vessels are equipped with tools, chemicals and personnel to "work-over" existing oil wells for the purpose of increasing the wells' production.

Vessel Crews

The Norwegian PSV Northern Genesis in Bergen harbour

Crews on the these ships can number up to 20 crewmembers.

Daily Operations

Crews normally sign on to work and live aboard the ship an extended period of time (3 – 6 weeks and often more). This is followed by an extended period of time off, often 2–4 weeks depending on the ship owner / operator the number of weeks or months aboard. Work details on platform supply vessels, like many ships, are organized into shifts of up to 12 hours.

Living aboard the ship, each crew member and worker will have a shift, lasting some portion of a 24 hour day. Most supply vessels are provided with a "bridge" area for navigating and operating the ship, machinery spaces, living quarters, and an area for cooking and eating. Some have built in work areas, and common areas for entertainment. The large main deck area is sometimes utilized for portable housing.

Living quarters consist of a bunk area, lockers, and spaces for storing personal items. Living areas are provided with wash basins, showers and toilets. Officers living quarters are sometimes outfitted with a small work desk, private sinks, showers and toilets.

The "galley" or cooking and eating areas aboard ship will be stocked with enough grocery items to last for the intended voyage. A walk-in size cooler and freezer, a commercial stove and oven, deep sinks, storage and counterspace will be available for the persons doing the cooking. The eating area will have coffee makers, toasters, microwave ovens, cafeteria style seating, and other amenities needed to feed a hard working crew.

See also

• Anchor handling tug supply vessel