Shallow Draft Dive Support Vessel
Principal particulars:
Length:
76.20 m
Beam:
17.00 m
Draught maximum:
2.50 m
Deadweight:
~950 t
Dynamic positioning:
DP class 2
Accomodation:
76 PAX
Propulsion:
2 x Azimuth thruster
Deck equipment:
22m – 50 t knuckle-boom crane
Dive equipment:
LARS, ROV, and dive support systems
Design philosophy of the Dive Support Vessel
Subsea infrastructure maintenance in shallow waters forces a strict operational compromise: standard offshore vessel designs require deep drafts to support heavy mission equipment, effectively locking them out of shallow fields.
Zamil Offshore commissioned Conoship International to engineer a custom Dive Support Vessel (DSV) to break this limitation. The brief required full Special Purpose Ships (SPS) Code compliance, Dynamic Positioning (DP2), and heavy dive-support capabilities—all restricted to a 2.50-meter maximum draft.
Conoship executed the Concept and Basic Design, scheduled for vessel delivery in 2027.
Solving the Spatial and Hydrodynamic Paradox
Compressing a fully equipped DSV into a 2.50m draft profile creates significant structural weight and water resistance challenges. Conoship’s naval architects focused on two core engineering levers to maintain operational standards without inflating fuel consumption:
- Hull Line Optimization: CFD analysis and tank testing were utilized to minimize shallow-water drag and optimize flow to the propulsion gear. Combined with an efficient diesel-electric layout, this reduces fuel consumption per operational hour during DP station-keeping compared to market alternatives.
- Compact Deck Integration: The spatial arrangement supports a reinforced 360 m² clear working deck, a 22m / 50-ton knuckle-boom crane, and 5 dedicated dry bulk tanks. Dive support operations are centered around a dedicated diving deck and control room integrated with LARS and ROV systems.
Class-Approved Yard Readiness
The basic design package was developed in full compliance with ABS Class rules and the SPS Code. By resolving the complex weight and stability calculations required for ultra-shallow DP operations early in the engineering phase, Conoship delivered a complete, risk-mitigated design package ready for yard construction.
Shipyard: T.b.d.
Delivery date:
Launch location: T.b.d.
Ship owner: Zamil Offshore
Vessel country: Saudi Arabia
Vessel type: Dive Support Vessel