Damen to overhaul Swedish survey vessel

SGU, Sweden’s national geological survey agency, has hired Damen Oskarshamnsvarvet for a major life extension programme on the survey and research vessel S/V Ocean Surveyor.

It will include the replacement of the all the machinery, bridge, and auxiliary systems including HVAC and a complete overhaul of all remaining equipment. A key aspect of the project will be the conversion of the propulsion and electrical systems from diesel to diesel electric.

According to Damen, the overall objective of the year-long programme will be to deliver a modern, low-impact vessel with a good working environment for both the crew and the scientists working on board and better overall accessibility.

Work will begin on the vessel on the 6^th April and is scheduled for completion by the 31^st March 2021.

Built in 1984 in Norway, the Ocean Surveyor is a twin hull, multi-purpose, survey and ROV support vessel constructed using Kevlar / FRP composite for operations mainly in coastal waters.

Measuring 38 metres (125 feet) long and 12 metres (39 feet) across, the vessel has accommodation for 15 personnel across 12 cabins and is equipped with DPS as well as various fixed hydroacoustic measuring systems.

There are two laboratories on board, a wet lab for sediment and environmental sample analysis and a space with a gamma spectrometer and sediment x-ray for the detailed study of samples.

Björn Bergman, operations manager at SGU, said: “Ocean Surveyor is a key platform for many marine surveys conducted in Sweden, not only for SGU, but also for other operators hiring the vessel’s unique surveying facilities.”

Damen Oskarshamnsvarvet won the public tender for the contract.

Source: Offshore Magazine