BMT has launched a design for a 48m Service Operation Vessel (SOV), intended for a new era in offshore operations, to deliver safety, comfort and efficiency while minimising environmental impact.
The 48m SOV is the largest in the range of BMT’s existing offshore support vessels. With the high cost of SOVs, operators in the offshore market are said to be looking for cost-effective solutions for offshore O&M with the benefit of reducing Opex costs. Mid-sized vessels that sit between CTVs and SOVs are considered to provide a more cost-effective solution to achieving offshore operational requirements. With a legacy of over 70 crew transfer vessels successfully operating worldwide, BMT’s new SOV is engineered to address the complex and extended operation and maintenance demands of modern offshore settings.
Incorporating an advanced methanol-ready design, the 48m SOV features an optimised hull form and machinery configuration, built on a dynamic diesel-electric platform. This approach ensures not only enhanced operational efficiency but also a significant reduction in environmental impact. The SWATH hull design will enable operations in challenging sea conditions and significantly boost seakeeping capabilities and uptime.
The 48m SOV is designed to provide comfort for its 40 technicians and 16 crew members, creating an optimal living and working environment. It features a 30m motion-compensated gangway for easy access, an ergonomic layout for safe and seamless workflow, and a hull design that minimises noise and vibrations.
Aligned with BMT’s vision of innovation, the 48m SOV is equipped to facilitate autonomous technology, featuring an adaptable ROV bay, a control room for ROV operations, and the flexibility to host up to 5m uncrewed surface vessels (USV). It includes a dedicated bay for an 8.5m daughter craft.
Alex Blake, BMT Senior Naval Architect, said: “In an industry facing rapid changes, the BMT 48m SOV is a testament to our commitment to leading innovation in offshore vessel design. Drawing on our extensive experience and understanding of market needs, this vessel is not just a response to current demands but a proactive step into the future of offshore operations, setting new standards in efficiency and environmental responsibility.”
Image: 48m SOV (source: BMT)
