May 17th, 2013 will certainly be remembered for its outstanding atmosphere during the naming ceremony of the “DP Gezina” at Holland Shipyards’ premises in Hardinxveld – Giessendam, despite the heavy rain on the day.
The naming of Service Support Vessel “DP Gezina” was performed by Mrs. Gezina Roelofs, and witnessed by the 200 guests attending the event. Mrs. Gezina Roelofs is the mother of the owner of Chevalier Floatels, Marcel Roelofs.
With Chevalier Floatels new flagship, “DP Gezina” completed, both Chevalier Floatels and Holland Shipyards companies have added another remarkable vessel to their track record. “DP Gezina” is truly the first of its kind in the offshore (wind) industry.
During the conversion the vessel was lengthened by 9 metres and sponsons were added to improve the sea keeping and make the vessel more confortable for those onboard. Internally the vessel was completely changed and is now capable of accommodating 60 to 90 persons, in its ‘state of the art’ accommodation facilities.
Technically, the vessel was equipped with an additional machinery room to house the Ampelmann system and two additional generators. The generators provide power for the additional loads required to meet the requirements of DP2 notation and the equipment required for the vessel to fulfill its intended role. These equipment’s include retractable bow thruster for the DP2 requirements and an Ampelmann crew transfer system.
With the added machinery room, additional bow thruster and increased generator capacity the vessel been able be equipped with a DP 2 system and consequent class notation.
The Ampelmann system allows for a significant improvement in operational time and scope compared to more conventional transfer methods. Where other systems are limited to wave heights of 1,5 meters significant, the Ampelmann has the capacity to work in wave heights up to 3 metres significant, thus greatly increasing productivity in the field.
On the aft deck a heave compensated work crane has been fitted, with capacity of one tonne at 20 m outreach for servicing offshore installations. Also the vessel has been equipped with the facility to accept a multi beam sonar, thus allowing for works such as cable inspections.
After a relatively smooth building period for 6 months, the vessel has already secured its first charter, and the market is responding positively. Looking to the future “DP Gezina’s” sister ship is currently being converted by Holland Shipyards to serve the same market.
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Press release, May 23, 2013; Image: holland-shipyards