The design and construction of ten platform supply vessels. Offshore service provider ESNAAD, subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), awarded this contract to Shipyard De Hoop in 2013. The shipyard was also entrusted with the mobilisation of the vessels. This is where De Hoop was looking to collaborate with TOS. What does this contract mean for De Hoop? And how do they feel about working with TOS? Pieter Visser, Senior Project Engineer van De Hoop, tells us all.
How was the contract awarded and what does it mean for De Hoop?
‘Via an international tender, ESNAAD called for a shipyard to design and construct ten shallow draft vessels. Complex ships with a diesel, electrical propulsion and DP2 system and a relatively shallow draft. At De Hoop, we have a lot of experience with vessels like these. We are also used to poor climate conditions, such as the high temperatures and humidity in Abu Dhabi. We translated the substantial schedule of requirements into a design for ten high-quality and comfortable vessels for a competitive price. After being longlisted, shortlisted, evaluated and questioned, we were finally selected as the winning contractor. ESNAAD sets the bar very high. So we are very proud to say that we, as West-European shipyard, delivered ten ships for them.’
Why did De Hoop approach TOS?
‘Our construction contract included an addendum with commercial agreements about mobilisation. ESNAAD decided per ship whether they wanted an option to make us responsible as shipyard for making the delivery. Three months before delivery of the first ship, we requested bids from several companies, including TOS. TOS put together a good offer and we first made a deal for just one ship. But now, so far, they have set sail for seven ship deliveries.’
What kind of preparation was needed for the ship deliveries?
‘Someone from TOS was present for the sea trial of each ship. Usually it is the captain, so that he can already become familiar with the ship. Anything that came up during the sea trial was dealt with right away and the ships were declared in good technical order. Next, we got to work using the TOS checklist. This is a list of what is needed for the mobilisation. Things like tools, reserve parts, satellite phones, oil, grease… But also things like a broom, mop, brushes and paint with which the crew can fix up and clean the ship so that it arrives spic-and-span. Everything was ordered and delivered in consultation with the client.’
Did all ship deliveries go equally smoothly?
‘The ESNAAD 222 (shipyard number 471) was caught in a storm in the Bay of Biscay. As a precaution, the TOS crew decided to sail the ship into the port of La Coruña for some minor repairs. It was an unscheduled, but understandable stop. The storm wasn’t so bad in hindsight, but it is logical that they choose to play it safe underuncertain conditions. Otherwise, all travels went almost flawlessly.’
How was it to work with TOS during the ship deliveries?
‘I have good contact with the people at TOS and we work better together with each new delivery. Things run more smoothly as the crew becomes more familiar with the ships, but also the ships were getting better. Each time, TOS gave us a list of particulars, mechanical failures or problems that came up during the trip. The teething problems of the ships. Valuable information with which we can make improvements for the next ship, sometimes directly. Furthermore, sailing the ship gives an extra opportunity for additional tests and gaining more insight into how the ship sails. Via TOS, we now know, for example, exactly how much the ships consume and at what speeds. Did we accompany TOS on these travels? No, we had complete faith in the expertise of TOS. We were present when the first ship arrived at the port of Abu Dhabi. A festive moment!’
What is your general impression of TOS?
‘It was our first time working with TOS, but as far as we’re concerned, it was certainly not the last. I experienced it as a pleasant collaboration with mutual respect. Of course at times we had discussions on how to approach the tasks at hand, but we always managed to find a solution. Also I am very impressed with their craftsmanship and experience of the crew on board. They delivered excellent work. My compliments!’