Anchor handling tug supply vessel

Types of Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels

The Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessel (AHTS) plays a critical role in offshore maritime operations. These specialized ships are designed to manage anchor systems for oil rigs and other maritime structures, ensuring that they are securely moored even in challenging sea conditions. At their core, AHTS vessels are equipped with powerful tug capabilities and sophisticated anchor handling equipment. This enables them to assist in the installation and relocation of anchors with precision and efficiency. The vessel's dynamic positioning system further enhances its operational accuracy, allowing it to maintain a stable position during anchor operations. In essence, AHTS vessels are the backbone of offshore anchor operations, providing the necessary strength, technology, and expertise to ensure the safety and stability of offshore installations.

Here are the types of Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessels:

• Anchor Handling Tug (AHT)

  These vessels specialize in anchor handling, towing, and berthing operations. They possess powerful winches and robust hulls to manage heavy anchors and mooring lines, ensuring the efficient and safe positioning of offshore structures even in adverse weather conditions.

• Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS)

  AHTS vessels combine the capabilities of anchor handling tugs with supply functions. Equipped with dynamic positioning systems and significant deck space for equipment and supplies, they handle anchor operations and transport goods, fuel, and provisions to and from offshore installations.

• Multi-Purpose Supply Vessels (MPSVs)

  These are versatile ships that perform various offshore support tasks. While they primarily supply goods and services, many are equipped for anchor handling and towing operations. MPSVs feature advanced technology and dynamic positioning systems, allowing them to conduct everything from subsea works to accommodation services.

• Dynamic Positioning Vessels (DP)

  These vessels are equipped with sophisticated systems to maintain their position and heading with high precision. While their primary role is not anchor handling, DP vessels are essential for operations requiring stability, such as the installation of mooring systems for floating platforms.

• Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs)

  These vessels provide logistical and operational support to offshore industries. Some OSVs are specifically designed for anchor handling and towing operations, equipped with the necessary tools and technology to assist in anchor placement, retrieval, and related maritime tasks.

Scenarios of Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels

Anchor handling tug supply vessels (AHTS) have multiple key applications in the marine and offshore oil and gas industries. Here are some major usage scenarios:

• Anchor Handling Operations

  Handling operations of anchors are the main usage scenario of AHTS vessels. The vessels are equipped with powerful winches and tugboats for the purpose of moving and setting anchors. They provide the needed force to handle the anchors and ensure they are positioned accurately. This is particularly important during the initial stages of operation and installation when the anchors are being set. It also happens during periods of maintenance and repositioning.

• Supply Support

  AHTS vessels also offer supply support to offshore operations. They transport equipment, materials, and personnel from onshore to offshore sites and vice versa. The vessels are capable of carrying out large cargoes and diverse types of cargo, including drill pipes, cement, and machinery. This ensures that the offshore operations have the needed resources to continue working.

• Towage Services

  The vessels are also used to provide towage services to offshore and maritime structures. The vessels have been fitted with powerful tugboats which are able to tow rigs, barges, and other structures. This assists in the transportation of the maritime and offshore structures from one location to the other. Additionally, the vessels can also handle distressed vessels and tow them to safety or repair facilities.

• Emergency Response

  < vessels also play the role of emergency response teams for offshore and maritime emergencies. The vessels are equipped with firefighting equipment, oil spill response gear, and medical facilities. This equipment is essential in tackling offshore emergencies such as oil spills, fires, and medical crises. The vessels can provide first aid to injured personnel, contain oil spills, and fight fires until specialized teams arrive on site.

• Salvage Operations

  Anchor handling tug supply vessels play a significant role in salvage operations. They are used to provide the needed equipment and expertise to recover lost or damaged maritime and offshore assets. The vessels are fitted with cranes, winches, and specialized salvage gear that can lift and move heavy debris and structures. This allows for the retrieval of sunken vessels, sections of offshore platforms, and lost cargo.

How to Choose Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels

Selecting the right anchor handling tug supply vessel for operations involves considering several key factors to ensure efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Here are the main criteria to focus on:

• Operational Requirements

  Start by assessing the specific operational needs. This includes the type of anchors to be handled, water depth, and environmental conditions. For instance, deeper waters and harsher conditions may require vessels with higher power and advanced handling capabilities. If the operations involve dynamic positioning, a vessel with a sophisticated DP (Dynamic Positioning) system will be crucial. Additionally, consider the need for additional functions such as supply of equipment and provisions to offshore installations.

• Vessel Specifications

  Examine the technical specifications of the AHTS vessel. Key factors include the bollard pull, which indicates the tug's capacity to move anchors against strong currents; the size and capacity of the deck and storage spaces; and the type and capability of the winches and other handling equipment. Modern vessels often come equipped with more powerful winches and larger deck spaces, enhancing their operational efficiency.

• Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

  Anchor handling operations are fuel-intensive. Therefore, fuel efficiency should be a primary consideration, especially for long-term operational cost-effectiveness. Additionally, with increasing regulations on environmental protection, consider the vessel's emissions and overall environmental impact. Some modern AHTS vessels are equipped with technologies to reduce emissions significantly.

• Safety and Compliance

  Safety is paramount in anchor handling operations. Ensure the vessel complies with all relevant maritime safety regulations and standards. Look for vessels equipped with advanced safety features, including robust firefighting equipment, emergency positioning systems, and structural reinforcements. Additionally, consider the vessel’s track record and the experience of its crew in maintaining safety and operational efficiency.

• Cost and Maintenance

  Finally, evaluate the overall cost of the vessel, including purchase or charter costs, maintenance, and operational costs. While older vessels may be less expensive, their maintenance might be more intensive, and they may lack modern efficiency and safety features. Conversely, newer vessels with advanced technology may offer better fuel efficiency and reduced operational costs but at a higher upfront expense.

Function, Feature, and Design of Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessels

Below are the features functions and design elements of Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessels:

• Robust hull design

  AHTS vessels have a strong hull design; thus, they can handle harsh weather conditions and rough seas. With a strong hull, the vessel can withstand the forces of waves and wind without sustaining damage. Also, the hull is built with durable and high-quality steel, which increases its lifespan.

• Powerful engines

  To move heavy anchors and chains, AHTS vessels are equipped with powerful engines that provide high horsepower and torque. The powerful engines enable the vessels to perform different operations, such as towing ships and supplying them with fuel and other supplies.

• Twin or triple screw propulsion

  AHTS vessels come with twin or triple screw propulsion systems that provide the necessary power and maneuverability. The screws move the water behind the vessel, pushing it forward. Also, the screws help the vessel to rotate and change direction easily.

• Dynamic positioning system

  AHTS vessels use a dynamic positioning system to maintain their position during anchor handling operations. This system uses GPS, motion sensors, and thrusters to counteract the forces of wind and wave. With the right position, the vessel can handle anchor operations precisely and safely.

• Large deck space

  The AHTS vessels have a large deck space that accommodates heavy anchor equipment, towing, and anchor handling. The large deck space allows the crew to operate the anchor handling equipment and perform other tasks.

• Fitted winches and drums

  AHTS vessels are fitted with winches and drums used for anchor handling operations. The winches are powerful and are used to pull and move heavy loads. The drums are used to store anchor chains.

• Anchors

  AHTS vessels are fitted with several types of anchors, such as drag anchors, steady anchors, and plow anchors. These anchors are used to moor the vessel in place, and different types of anchor moorage techniques can be used.

• Accommodation

  AHTS vessels have comfortable accommodation areas for crew members and workers. These vessels have sleeping quarters, mess areas, and recreation rooms. The accommodation areas allow the crew and workers to rest and relax after working.

Q&A

Q1. What is the difference between AHTS and anchor handling tug vessel?

A1. The main distinction between an anchor handling tug supply vessel (AHTSV) and a tugboat is their purpose. While tugboats are primarily used to move ships and perform harbor operations, AHTS vessels are specialized ships designed to handle anchors and provide logistical support to offshore installations.

Q2. What is the role of an anchor handling tug vessel in offshore operations?

A2. The anchor handling tug supply vessel's (AHTSV) primary role in offshore operations is to supply the anchors and mooring lines that secure offshore installations and support the anchoring and mooring operations of offshore rigs and vessels. AHTSVs are also involved in the removal and repositioning of anchors as needed.

Q3. What are the key differences between an anchor handling tug vessel and a regular tugboat?

A3. Anchor handling tug vessels (AHTSVs) and regular tugboats serve similar functions but have different capabilities and equipment. AHTSVs are equipped with powerful winches and specialized gear to handle anchors, making them suitable for offshore operations. In contrast, regular tugboats lack this specialized equipment and are primarily used for harbor operations and coastal towing.

Q4. How does the size of an anchor handling tug vessel impact its operations?

A4. The size of anchor handling tug vessels (AHTSVs) impacts their capacity to handle anchors and tow long distances. Larger AHTSVs have more powerful engines and bigger winches, allowing them to handle larger anchors and moorings. The size also affects the vessel's accommodation and facilities for crew and equipment.

Q5. What are the environmental considerations for anchor handling tug vessels?

A5. Environmental considerations for anchor handling tug vessels (AHTSVs) include minimizing pollution, protecting marine life, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. AHTSVs are equipped with pollution prevention systems, such as oil-water separators and waste management systems, to minimize environmental impact. AHTSVs also implement measures to protect marine life, such as avoiding sensitive habitats and monitoring for potential impacts on marine fauna.