AHTS 120

The first half of 2005 became fruitful for the Offshore Department of Remontowa when Tidewater Marine LLC decided to continue cooperation in newbuilding with Gdansk Shiprepair Yard “Remontowa” S.A. Tidewater Marine, based in New Orleans, USA, placed an order for a pair of type NED 8167 L anchor handling towing supply vessels (AHTSV) with options for two more ships. Later the order was firm for 4 units.

The new vessels were based on a project, NED 8167, that has already been completed for the same Owner. These vessels had been improved for this new endeavor through the base of experience gained during the construction of the previously delivered pair, the “J HUGH ROFF JR” and the “BIG JOE TIDE”.
Both of those vessels were delivered beginning 2005 by Remontowa.

The main change of the earlier design was reflected in the length of the vessel. The new revision has a length of 70.0 m, but the breadth and depth remain as 15.50m and 6.60m, respectively. Just as for the previous vessels, the contracted NED 8167 L pair was designed to operate in shallow waters. Due to a limited rearrangement of the aft part of the ship, the continuous bollard pull was increased to 120 tonnes with a simultaneous increase of the vessels’ capacities, meanwhile keeping other vital features of the ship operating at the highest possible level.

The contracted AHTSV’s are modern multipurpose vessels designed for anchor handling and rig towing with significant cargo capability for rig and offshore platform supply. As was the case with previous ships for Tidewater, Remontowa was using the same design office, Remontowa’s own Naval Engineering & Design Ltd. NED.
Propulsion was based on American two stroke twin Diesel main engines. Each of the two engines deliver 5000 BHP at 900 rpm through reduction gears to controllable pitch propellers located inside Kort Nozzles. The machinery was designed to provide a service speed of 13 knots, and a maximum speed to exceed 15 knots. The overall power plant efficiency will be improved through the adoption of 1200 kW shaft generators.

New vessels are classed as DP-1, but also are ready for upgrading to DP-2 if so required by a potential client. In order to ensure that the vessel is ready for this upgrade, two 800 HP side thrusters were installed along with two 250 kW auxiliary generator sets.

A waterfall-type towing winch with 300 tonnes loading capacity are driven by a low pressure hydraulic system, and include two de-clutchable towing and anchor-handling drums, each with a holding capacity of 1500m of 72mm diameter wire. The towing outfit also include a single storage reel to accommodate 1000m of 64mm diameter wire, two 10 ton capacity tugger winches, a 500T capacity shark jaw, and towing pins.

The stern roller have main dimensions of 4.0m long and 2.5m diameter and accommodate a 400 tonnes design load. Besides anchor handling and towing functions, the new ships are suited for rig and platform supply services by means of an open deck capacity for 1000T of equipment and cargo. The ships are outfitted with tanks located under the main deck for drill water, potable water, liquid mud, fuel oil and dry bulks (cement, bentonite, barites etc.) Also, both vessels have the possibility to be used as auxiliary fire fighters due to their two 1200 cubic meter / hour fire monitors installed on top of the wheelhouse.