IHC Merwede has introduced a new series of IHC Packhorse offshore support vessels at an official launch event in Singapore, organised by IHC Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of IHC Merwede.
The new design is part of the company's internationalisation strategy, which aims to provide a choice of designs and build locations on a global basis.
Packhorse Range
The range of vessels consists of: the IHC Packhorse which has been positioned as a platform support vessel (PSV); and the IHC Packhorse-Maxi, which is a variant on the basic hull form, providing a 59-person accommodation unit and a range of options designed for subsea support on IRM work, light construction and cablelaying projects. IHC Merwede offers the portable equipment for the IHC Packhorse-Maxi, either as an in-house supply package or as specified by customers, depending on their preference.
Cooperation Agreement
The Packhorses will initially be built through the cooperation agreement established between IHC Merwede and Jaya Holdings.
Supporter Class
IHC Merwede's President, Govert Hamers, explained that, while IHC Merwede was best known in the offshore sector for innovative custom-built vessels, it had recently extended its product range with the IHC Supporter Class. 'This is a cost-effective mid-size vessel, which offers a reduced build time and flexibility in the selection and configuration of mission equipment by virtue of its modular construction.'
Deep-Water Support
In its pure-play PSV form, the IHC Packhorse represents a vessel, which has been optimised through discussions with operators and charter companies to meet the needs of deep-drilling and deep-water support. Its main features are a large working deck, a fuel-efficient hull form, optimised power distribution and a flexible tank configuration.
Packhorse-Maxi
The same platform is used for the IHC Packhorse-Maxi, which has dual-stability books for operation as a non-SPS PSV at deeper draught. It has also been designed for the easy retrofitting of a heli-deck and is pre-strengthened to accommodate a 100-tonne heavecompensated crane. The large deck can carry various mission spreads, including diving support, ROV operation and cablelaying, with portable equipment designed and manufactured by IHC Merwede or as specified by the customer.
The Packhorse utilises a low-cost highly efficient solution for the power distribution system developed by IHC Drives & Automation. Portable dive systems and cablelay solutions are available for the Packhorse-Maxi from two of IHC Merwede's other business units, IHC Hytech and IHC Engineering Business.
