Over the past years, the Damen Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 2710 has become a familiar fixture in the offshore wind sector with approximately fifty vessels in operation to date. Now, with a few modifications, the FCS 2710 is set to support operations in the oil and gas sector, too.
The FCS 2710 represents the evolution from the slightly smaller FCS 2610, of which 47 vessels are in service, including a significant number in the oil and gas industry. One of the key features of the vessel, ensuring its suitability for wider offshore energy use, is its flexibility. In addition to a range of propulsion options, the FCS 2710 can be configured in diverse ways to accommodate varying numbers of personnel.
‘In its standard form, the FCS 2710 is able to transfer up to 24 persons,’ explains Wim Boerma, Product Manager High Speed Craft at Damen. ‘However, with relatively straightforward modification, it’s possible to configure the vessel to transport sixty, ninety, or even 100 offshore personnel, together with between eight and twelve crew members.’
Further ensuring the relevance of the FCS 2710 is its range of up to 1200 nautical miles and high speeds of up to 25 knots. Boerma: ‘With such a vessel, it is possible to transfer large numbers of people offshore, quickly, in safety and comfort, at considerably lower operational costs than with a helicopter.’
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Series built and in stock
Damen operates a stock building programme, designed to offer rapid access to a newbuild vessel. As such, the company has constructed a number of FCS 2710 vessels in advance and is nearing completion of several more. The adaptions required for the vessels to serve the oil and gas sector are expected to take just a few short weeks.
To facilitate the transfer of personnel to an oil and gas platform, the FCS 2710 is installed with robust fendering designed to withstand the impact of a push-on platform connection. Once connected, personnel are transferred via hydraulic gangway – clearly visible from the wheelhouse.
‘Not only is the transfer safer and more efficient than methods such as swing ropes or baskets, it’s entirely suitable for accessing platform at various heights, with the gangway being height adjustable, ensuring optimal operational flexibility,’ explains Boerma.
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Stepless deck, free from obstacles
‘The emphasis on safety has been integrated into every detail,’ adds Boerma. ‘You can see it in the wheelhouse, which is spacious, ergonomic and features 360-degree views. The deck is another example – this is stepless, spacious and free from obstacles, ensuring both safe working and transfer.’
The deck – comparable to those found on 40-metre workboats – boasts a clean, single level walkway, uninterrupted by transfer equipment or from the passenger accommodation. Additionally, the anchor equipment is recessed to create a flush surface with no tripping hazards for crew.
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Twin Axe bow and IMO Tier III prepared
The FCS 2710 also offers good seakeeping capabilities thanks to its Damen Twin Axe bow. This feature allows the vessel to cut effortlessly through the waves with minimal slamming, reducing peak accelerations, flat water resistance, and resistance in waves. It also significantly cuts fuel consumption – as well as associated emissions – by as much as twenty per cent.
The FCS 2710 is prepared for compliance with IMO Tier III regulations. This is achieved by installation of a Damen Marine NOX Reduction System that reduces emissions up to eighty per cent.
Picture: Flex bow landing (image by Damen Shipyards).
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