ADNOC’s fleet richer for dive support vessel

UAE’s energy giant Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has taken delivery of the first of two 24-meter catamaran dive support vessels (DSVs) from a shipyard in Dubai.

ADNOC MD 01, the first of two sister vessels, was built by Dubai-based Grandweld Shipyards and designed by Robert Allan Ltd. to support local diving operations in the UAE.

The catamaran is 24.9 meters long, has a molded beam of 8 meters, a maximum draft of 2 meters and 192 gross tonnage. Propulsion machinery consists of two Baudouin 12M26.3 main engines, 1030 kW at 2100 rpm and Reintjes WVS 430/1 gearboxes driving four-blade conventional propellers.

According to Robert Allan, the vessels are provided with comprehensive equipment for shallow water dive support including a decompression chamber, dive air compressors, compressed air and other gas cylinders, hose reels for underwater tools and diver air supply.

The wide beam allows for a spacious, full deckhouse width dive compartment with a diver rest area, separated supervisor area and integrated decompression chamber with direct access to the open deck. Diving operations can take place on either side of the vessel or on the integrated swim platforms at the stern.

A 6.5-meter workboat and crane with a 10-meter working radius are situated on top of the deckhouse to avoid interference with dive operations.

The vessel offers accommodations for a crew of five and up to seven divers, including three double crew cabins with mess and galley provided in the deckhouse.

Robert Allan also noted that the delivered vessel exceeded the design contract speed with a sea trial speed of 19.4 knots and a comprehensive CFD program was used to predict resistance during early design work.

ADNOC recently made a move that supports its decarbonization strategy by becoming a lead investor in Storegga, a UK-based company focused on the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects.

The acquisition of a 10.1% equity stake in the company is said to mark the first international equity investment foray in carbon management for the UAE energy giant.