8 November 2016: Allianz Middle East Ship Management and Maritime Craft Services (MCS) have taken delivery of a Damen Fast Crew Supplier 2610. Demonstrating the cooperative relationship between the two companies, the new vessel will offer safe and cost efficient crew transfer services for up to 50 passengers to and from the Abu Dhabi oil fields. The two companies welcomed guests on board the new vessel in a festive celebration during this year’s Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC). Business associates and clients were given a tour on board the vessel at the Emirates Palace Marina.

“We are very proud to see another FCS 2610 enter service in the Middle East oil and gas industry,” states Damen Sales Manager Middle East Teun Haverkort. “A great result of 3 companies combining their expertise to reduce operational costs and to create a higher standard in safety and crew comfort.”

Viable alternative

With the vessel available on stock, Damen carried out a number of adaptations to make it OPCO compliant. This meant preparing the vessel – called MCS Allianz Venus – for operations in the Abu Dhabi oil fields, where she will soon start work on her first contract.

The most significant modification was made to the passenger accommodation, says Mr Haverkort: “The passenger capacity has been increased to 50 persons – making for cost effective and safe crew transfer services for the oil and gas industry in the region. This represents a truly viable alternative to helicopter transfers.”

Illustrating this last point even further is the vessel’s 90m2 of deck space, which is big enough to accommodate two 20 foot containers. “The outfitting also included upgrading the 5-man crew accommodation to allow for extended offshore duties.”

Strong partners

Allianz Middle East Ship Management is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Allianz is a maritime service provider and specialises in the provision of marine transportation services to the offshore oil and gas drilling and production industry.

Scotland-based MCS operates an international fleet of tugs and workboats active in the a wide range of sectors that include dredging support and marine construction in addition to crew transfer operations for both the offshore wind and oil and gas industries. MCS has more than 10 years of experience working in the Middle East.

Allianz and MCS have a long working relationship; one that draws upon their operational knowledge and crew transfer experience. The purchase of this new FCS 2610 signifies an extension of their collaborative association.

A good reputation

Damen’s FCS 2610 design showed its first signs of success while performing crew transfer duties for the North Sea offshore wind sector. To this day, the vessel operates at 25 knots and provides operators with safe and swift passenger and cargo transfers.

The vessel’s seakeeping is perhaps the most crucial aspect though – a smooth ride ensuring that offshore personnel reach their destination in a fit and healthy state. It is these proven credentials that have recently started to be noticed by operators active in the oil and gas industry. The MCS Allianz Venus is the second FCS 2610 active in this sector in the Middle East.

Vira Maritime