Basics of a Platform Supply Vessel

A platform supply vessel or PSV is best described as a ship specially designed to provide support and supply to oil and gas platforms on the open sea. PSVs achieve this by transporting essential equipment, personnel, and supplies essential to the day-to-day operations on the high seas.

Oftentimes, platform supply vessels are synonymous with Offshore Supply Vessels or OSVs which also ensure that maintenance projects and construction demands are supported, which make these types of vessel integral to the often complex operations on offshore oil platforms and other offshore facilities.

Offshore Vessels, like platform supply vessels, is a broad category of ships that also include crane vessels, well stimulation vessels, offshore construction vessels, and anchor handling tug supply vessels. Typically, these vessels vary in range from fifty to one hundred meters in length.

Capabilities Of PSVs

Strictly speaking, a platform supply vessel is primarily designed and tasked with transporting supplies that can include heavy structural equipment, essential components like concrete and cement, and chemical compounds designed for sub-water boring operations. Furthermore, PSVs also transport provisions and personnel back and forth between offshore structures and the nearest harbor facilities.

The majority of cargo onboard ranges from cargo tanks for pulverized cement and diesel fuel to consumable and non-consumable water and chemicals used in offshore drilling processes. Many PSVs are designed or even re-fitted to perform specific tasks.

Onboard these vessels there are fire monitors and they come equipped with firefighting capabilities. A platform supply vessel can also be equipped with oil containment capabilities and recovery equipment which can help with cleanup efforts following a spill at sea.

Some PSVs are also designed to help increase the productivity of an oil well by using special tools, chemicals, and trained personnel to achieve this. Platform supply vessels are extremely versatile and can be custom built to meet specific requirements based on the operators’ needs.

Platform supply vessels also come equipped with facilities that provide utility and comfort for personnel transiting to and from offshore structures. In order to accommodate these personnel, PSVs come equipped with cookhouses and other necessary facilities.

Day To Day Operations

Crew members onboard PSVs sign on to work and live onboard the vessel for an extended period of time that is then followed by a similar period of time off. The time crew members spend onboard a platform supply vessel varies but is typically one to three months with one month off and are assigned into twelve-hour shifts.

These vessels are equipped with a bridge which is used to operate and navigate the ship along with machinery spaces, galley, mess room, living quarters, and some have common areas designed for crew recreation and entertainment. Living quarters on board platform supply vessels are equipped with cabins, offices, storage spaces, and lockers along with showers, toilets, and wash basins.

In recent years, the demand for PSVs has increased because of the exponential increase in offshore operations that require support. This increased demand has led to advancements in construction and innovations in the design of platform supply vessels.

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Platform Supply Vessel