A two-year contract with Compagnie Maritime Monégasque (CMM) takes Damen Shipyards’ Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 7011 Aqua Helix to Brazil. The vessel will transport personnel to and from offshore platforms in support of an oil & gas decommissioning project.

The Aqua Helix arrived in Brazil on 26th January, where it was welcomed with a ceremony at Pier Mauá in Rio de Janeiro.

‘During the design phase of the FCS 7011, we considered the Brazilian market a strong fit for this vessel, due to its geography and concentration of offshore assets,’ says Robin Segaar, Sales Manager at Damen. ‘We’re very pleased, therefore, to have this opportunity to demonstrate the potential of Aqua Helix in this prime location of offshore activity.’

CMM is a market leader in fast offshore support vessels and operates a fleet of Damen Sea Axe fast oil spill response vessels in Brazil. This has given the company confidence in the suitability of the FCS 7011 vessel’s Sea Axe bow for operations in the region. Christophe Vancauwenbergh, CEO at CMM: ‘We are very pleased with the Sea Axe’s performance in Brazilian waters. It has proven to reduce slamming and fuel consumption significantly at high speeds, while increasing safety and comfort on board.’

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Aqua Helix features

An essential component in Aqua Helix’s arsenal is its Ampelmann S-type motion compensated walkway. This energy-efficient system, designed specifically for lightweight vessels, such as the FCS 7011, allows a continual flow of personnel to and from the offshore platform in safety and comfort, making transfer as easy as crossing the street.

The Aqua Helix also features a VEEM Gyrostabiliser that reduces roll motions by up to seventy per cent, working alongside the vessel’s (retractable) bow thrusters to ensure outstanding DP performance.

The vessel offers a viable and safe alternative to surfer and helicopter transfers. Its ability to transport up to 122 passengers at a time over greater distances offers optimal cost-efficiency. As may be expected, the vessel is fast, too. Thanks in part to its lightweight, aluminium construction, it can sail at speeds of up to 40 knots.

The Aqua Helix is anticipated to commence work in the coming weeks.

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