Singapore shipbuilder hands over new ‘cutting-edge’ vessel destined to work for Shell

Singapore-based shipbuilding player PaxOcean Group has delivered to Automac Multiresources, a member of the Adinin Group of Companies, a new class of compact semi-submersible (CSS), said to be designed and equipped to meet current and anticipated demands of the offshore industry. This vessel will work off the coast of Brunei for Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP), a subsidiary of the UK oil major Shell.

The delivery ceremony for the CSS Fateh, which took place on February 26, 2024, at PaxOcean Pertama in Batam, is seen as an important milestone by the Singapore player, underscoring its commitment to excellence and innovation in the maritime industry and boosting its track record in collaborating with partners to deliver next-generation vessels. PaxOcean is adamant that Fateh maximizes safety in operations while minimizing cost through fuel-efficient diesel-electric propulsion.

This vessel, which was classed by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) as a DP Class 2 mobile offshore unit (MODU), incorporates technology from providers such as Huisman (lifting), Bergen (engines), Kongsberg (dynamic positioning), former Rolls Royce now Kongsberg (thrusters) and ABB (power management).

Low Soon Teck, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PaxOcean, commented: “Today, we celebrate the delivery of a vessel, that is a testament to our shipyards’ and workforce’s capabilities and the collaboration with our partners and stakeholders. Fateh represents the latest standard in the walk to work segment, and we are proud to set a new benchmark in innovation for this class of vessels.”

Once operational, the vessel will be able to accommodate 152 people on board and meet the challenges of safe deck handling with a 160 mt crane while the CSS design with twin hulls is expected to provide stable sea-keeping characteristics and a very large zone 1-rated deck of about 1,000 m2.

Musa Adnin, Managing Director of the Adinin Group, emphasized: “Fateh is the latest addition to the Adinin Group of Companies’ portfolio. The cutting-edge design, advanced technology, and a steadfast dedication to quality is the epitome of our business. Fateh will be working for Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd on a long-term charter contract. She will carry out work which is crucial to Brunei’s economy, hence performance and reliability are key factors.”

The CSS vessel is fitted with a telescopic gangway at the aft, which will be used for personnel transfers to the operating site platform. In addition, Fateh is outfitted with a boat landing platform for receiving personnel from crew boats – with installed gangway – and tug-pushing vessels. Specialized fittings were also installed to guarantee that operating requirements would be met, according to PaxOcean.

The company is working on future-proofing vessels in line with the maritime industry’s pursuit of decarbonization. Last year, the Singapore-based firm joined forces with Pacific Carriers Limited (PCL) and ABS to explore the use of methanol for the PCL’s fleet.

Prior to this, PaxOcean Engineering inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hong Lam Marine and Bureau Veritas (BV) to develop an ammonia bunker vessel design.