A new era in offshore crew supply

Many operators are now looking much more closely at their options and are re-evaluating their established crew supply methods. Choices are being influenced by a number of factors, such as cost, down-time risk, passenger comfort, journey times and last, but not least, safety.

Recent developments in the marine sector look set to have important implications for operators. From a safety perspective, by using better-designed equipment and improved operational controls, operators can expect injury levels to fall to a fraction of current rates and fatalities to be virtually eliminated. Many operators are already seeing major improvements in their vessel based crew supply operations. In the past marine based crew supply has received little priority in comparison to its more ‘well healed’ aviation cousin. A lack of reliable information has also led to misconceptions about the relative risks of different crew supply methods and has also tended to mask some important breakthroughs. Higher quality operational and incident data would aid risk-based decision-making, and allow more effective tracking of performance and allocation of resources. If the industry can move in this direction, choices will be determined less by myth and hunches and more by rational evaluation.

The improving safety of crane transfer operations, combined with the introduction a new generation of faster, more comfortable vessels could soon change the face of offshore crew supply and should also result in significant cost savings for operators. The issues of transit speed and passenger comfort are now being addressed by some forward-looking vessel operators. Seacor Marine LLC has just completed a new 170ft CrewZer Class DP2 high-speed aluminium catamaran, which will be the fastest vessel in the US-GOM, capable of speeds ranging in excess of 40 knots. This state of the art vessel will carry up to 150 passengers and journey times are expected to considerably close the gap between boat and helicopter transport.

The CrewZer vessels will also incorporate a high capacity personnel transfer safety system specially developed for the vessel by Reflex Marine. The nine-man Frog capsule will transfer personnel from the vessel to platforms in a protected and safe environment. This project sets an industry precedent, as the first direct collaboration between a vessel operator and transfer specialist.

The vessel is rated DP2, making for excellent station-keeping, and the catamaran hull provides excellent stability, minimizes vessel roll and a wide deck reduces collision hazards. The landing area is positioned amidships for increased stability, better visibility from the bridge and improved access for passengers. A special passenger flow system is under development and a number of special guidance and protective features are being developed to improve safety and increase the operational envelope.

As well as providing a very safe, efficient and reliable alternative to helicopter crew supply, the CrewZer will offer a highly capable evacuation capability. It will allow hurricane evacuations to be performed in much less time than that required to perform a helicopter evacuation. This important provision will extend the decision window and allow operators to reduce the length of (or even avoid completely) costly production shut downs.

The CrewZer, designed by the world’s foremost catamaran designer Incat Crowther in New South Wales, Australia, has been constructed by leading boat builder Gulf Craft in Patterson, Louisiana. It will enter service in the US GoM in early 2008 and will also be marketed internationally. Conceivably, once the concept is proven and widely accepted, operators could use the CrewZer (which has wireless internet, satellite TV and cinema) like a high-seas carpool, paying only for usage.

Change is afoot in the industry and many operators are now taking a fresh look at their crew supply activities. Exceptional progress has been made in the development of safer, more efficient alternatives with operators, vessel owners and transfer specialists all making important contributions.

Frog is a registered trademark.

About the author

Philip Strong is one of the joint founders of Reflex Marine. He has spent much of his career in drilling, production and marine operations, working with BP and Enterprise Oil. Strong holds several patents and is accredited as inventor of the ‘Reamer Shoe’ winner of the Scottish Offshore Innovation Awards (Technical Prize).