PSV conversion - moving to a new lease of life as SOV or IMR vessel

This is the time to consider repositioning existing PSV vessels to a new life in a new market segment with an attractive cost base and with a short conversion time.

The market in renewables is bustling, and there is a constant need for inspection, maintenance and repair of turbines, but also for supporting installation and commissioning activities during the construction phase. In the offshore Oil and Gas markets, walk-to-work operations represent a promising alternative for carrying out Operation and Maintenance activities at unmanned platforms.

A well thought-through conversion of the vessel can mean a new lease of life, as the vessel can compete for short/medium-term contracts where a newbuild cannot be carried out.

Ulstein has taken the initiative to develop new-life solutions for our series of medium-sized PX121 Platform Supply Vessels, capitalising on the inherent strength of the vessel’s solid platform.

One option is the conversion into an SOV vessel, a Service Operations Vessel, with walk-to-work functionality for the offshore wind or oil & gas market.

Another option is the conversion into a flexible subsea IMR (inspection, maintenance, repair) vessel.

The ULSTEIN PX121 provides a remarkably suitable platform for a conversion, as the vessels have favourable motion characteristics and good seakeeping and station keeping performance.
This reduces the scope of a conversion and improves the workability of the final solution.

Due to Ulstein’s extensive experience with newbuild Subsea IMR and Walk-to-Work SOVs, all the knowledge and tools are available to guide an owner towards the conversion that best suits its business case.

Conversion to SOV

The PX121 vessel can be converted into an SOV vessel by upgrading the accommodation to 90, and by installing a walk-to-work gangway with adjustable pedestal and integrated elevator, a work boat and life boats. The upgrade includes storage capacity for containers and for workshops and much attention has been given to achieve an efficient workflow in the on-board logistics.

Conversion to IMR

The PX121 vessel can be converted into an IMR vessel by installing extra accommodation, an offshore crane (we recommend a 60t AHC) and, optionally, life boats. With these additions, the vessel will have a 700 sqm work deck, which opens up for the possibility of performing multiple IMR assignments world-wide.

The conversion can be carried out at Ulstein Verft, or at a yard of your choice with design, engineering and equipment provided by Ulstein.

Below, top illustration: After conversion to an SOV vessel.
Below, bottom illustration: After conversion to an IMR vessel.

PX121 DESIGN SPESIFICS
The development of the ULSTEIN PX121 platform supply vessel design has been to present a vessel with capacities, and performance, close to the larger PSV segment while still at a cost that will provide excellent value-for-money to the owner/operator. The vessel is designed for environmental friendly operations world-wide.

Some of these vessels are in lay-up due to the market situation. With a conversion, they can move into a new lease of life.

Flexibility
Efficiency and flexibility have been in focus when developing the PX121. The ship is equipped with a dynamic positioning system Class II and meets the requirements of DNV’s Clean Design. The PX121 is also equipped with catalysts for all four main engines.

Accommodation quality
The accommodation is of high quality. Floating floor on all accommodation decks provides low noise and vibration levels.

Main dimensions
Length over all approx. 88.9 m
Length between p.p. 82.1 m
Breadth moulded 18.0 m
Depth to main deck 8.0 m
Max. draught 6.6 m
Design draught 6.0 m
Accommodation 30 p.