Types of offshore supply vessels

Offshore supply vessels (OSVs) are ships that transport goods, equipment, and personnel to and from offshore oil and gas facilities, such as drilling rigs and production platforms. As the offshore oil and gas industry has evolved, a variety of specialized OSVs have been developed to meet its specific needs. Here are some of the main types of offshore supply vessels:

1. Platform Supply Vessel (PSV):
   • Primarily used to transport goods like drilling mud, fresh water, fuel, food, and equipment to and from offshore installations.
2. Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) Vessel:
   • Designed for towing drilling rigs and assisting in anchoring them.
   • Can also operate as supply vessels.
   • Equipped with powerful engines and winches to handle anchors and mooring lines.
3. Dive Support Vessel (DSV):
   • Equipped with facilities to support diving operations, often used for underwater maintenance, inspection, and construction work.
   • May have a saturation diving system allowing divers to work at depth for extended periods.
4. Crew Boat or Fast Supply Intervention Vessel:
   • Designed to quickly transport personnel between the shore and offshore installations.
   • Typically smaller and faster than PSVs.
5. Safety Standby Vessel:
   • Used to monitor safety, especially during drilling operations.
   • Equipped to rescue and recover personnel in emergencies.
6. Multipurpose Support Vessel (MSV):
   • A versatile vessel that can support a range of offshore operations, from ROV (remotely operated vehicle) operations to subsea construction.
7. Construction Support Vessel (CSV):
   • Designed for heavy-duty offshore construction tasks.
   • Can be equipped with large cranes, helipads, and accommodation facilities.
8. Seismic Vessel:
   • Used for mapping and exploring underwater oil and gas reserves.
   • Equipped with air guns that emit shock waves and hydrophones to capture the waves reflected back from the sub-sea geology.
9. Well Stimulation Vessel:
   • Designed to enhance the production of oil and gas wells by performing tasks like fracturing.
10. Flotel or Floating Hotel:

• Acts as temporary accommodation for offshore personnel, especially during platform construction or major maintenance periods.
• Provides amenities like sleeping quarters, recreation rooms, and dining facilities.

11. Wind Farm Service Vessel:

• While not related to oil and gas, these vessels support the construction and maintenance of offshore wind farms.

The choice of a specific type of OSV often depends on the nature of the offshore operation, the specific requirements of the task, and the environmental conditions of the operating region.