Den-Helder-managed and Dutch flagged VOS Base and Pool Express were delivered to Vroon fresh from the shipyard in 2008. These sister DP1 platform-supply vessels (PSV) were designed and purpose-built by Damen Shipyards and Vroon for Peterson’s SNS Pool operations.
Equipped with diesel electric propulsion, 620 m2 clear deck and underdeck methanol capacity, they have built up a considerable reputation for high-quality service and reliability over the years, working for the SNS Pool ever since joining our fleet.
Last year it was time for an upgrade from DP1 to DP2. Dynamic positioning (DP) is a computer-controlled system to automatically maintain a vessel’s position and heading by using its own propellers and thrusters. Upgrading to DP2 required considerable modifications to the electrical and automation systems, as well as a complete renewal and installation of additional hardware and upgrades to various systems. At the end of the complex upgrade, the only modification visible to the naked eye is an additional operator’s station on the bridge’s DP desk.
After several months of preparation, VOS Base underwent her upgrade in September 2020, with the work being carried out in a very challenging timeframe of just 14 days. The project concluded with extensive failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) testing over a two-day trial period. With the DP2 upgrade of Pool Express completed at the end of November and full DP2 certification confirmed, both PSVs now comply with the latest market requirements of the North Sea offshore industry and can continue their highly valued service to Vroon clients.
Source: Vroon