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Platform supply vessel
Platform supply vessel

I enjoy the functionality and design of these ships. Another useful paragraph full of text.

History
As the world grows more and more reliant on natural resources, it is common to find many companies scouring the ocean to discover and obtain such necessities. Moreover, as the world is ¾ ocean water, it is only natural to diversify resources in hopes of being the first to tap a deep oil well or find a sea bank filled with minerals. To further increase the possibility and chances of discovering such resources it takes time to search the ocean floor. The most logical method is to live out at sea on a platform for prolonged periods of time. These platforms can be drilling platforms or simply platforms to house researchers and scientists. Ocean platforms however, are much like mobile homes, nearly permanent residences that need supplies, necessities, repairs, cargo and overall support. Their help comes in the form of the ever growing popular platform supply vessel, sometimes also referred to as an offshore supply vessel. The construction of these platform and offshore supply vessels peaked approximately from 1980-1985 After that the popularity was diluted with other interests regarding extracting profit from the natural ocean. However, with their decline in construction, their purpose is still ever present today. Their presence is derived from the need of replenishing vital supplies for day to day operations and the ability to adapt. Their needs with platforms are such that often times they are stationary and unable to reach land for supplies. Moreover, as vessels begin to populate the oceans even more, seldom do any of the ships/boats out there have the ability to conduct rescues or aid without having to sacrifice safety. Comparable to a lifeline, the ability to carry operational supplies and personal is invaluable to all parties involved. As a byproduct of this, their value recently has been increasing. Moreover, as the exploration of the shallow oceans are being used, they will be driven to look in waters with much greater depth with ships of greater tonnage and size.

Design
Naturally, over years of service and endless unique jobs to a variety of applications these offshore and platform supply vessels have changed in design to reach optimum efficiency. These ships come in a variety of shapes and sizes and offer a plethora of capabilities. Their popularity has boomed in recent years and displays no signs of slowing down. There are over forty company’s world wide that offer a variety of different platform supply vessels that range in specialized purposes, size and designs. If you ever see one out in the ocean, these offshore supply vessels may first appear strange or foreign, but the design is wholly efficient and unique. Architects designed the newest generations of platform supply vessels with the idea of purpose first, appearance last. With that in mind the design of a modern platform or offshore supply vessel will most likely have the berthing areas (beds and bunks), galley (kitchen, with all the normal amenities), showers, toilets, recreation areas, bridge (navigation control room), engine control room and machinery spaces all in one unit towards the bow of the ship. This leaves only the engine(s), work and cargo areas in the mid-ship and aft. Some of the newer designs try to limit the number of companies that it purchases machinery from. This limits the need to go to several channels to uphold maintenance. A contract from a formidable brand such as Rolls-Royce can produce the propulsions plant, electrical systems, automation and control systems as well as bulk handling equipment and deck machinery and main engines. With the key to survival in the maritime industry being the capabilities to adapt, these offshore platform vehicles are no exception. The work and cargo area aft and on the main deck of the main structure is vacant and designed to be as large as possible to transport cargo items such as containers filled with valuable research equipment, lines and ropes to reinforce structures, pipes and even spare drills to dig deeper. Below deck, the platform supply vessels are also designed to store valuable engine oil, fuel and lube oils, spare fuel, fresh water and food. Some of the other primary functions of the platform supply vessels in addition to replenishing stockpiles of supplies are to provide aid in fire fighting, oil containment and recovery, delivery and evacuation of personnel, anchor handling as well as vessel and platform inspection, repair and maintenance. As you can see, the purposes of these offshore supply vessels vary by scenario, but these ships are vital to the function, operation and maintenance of any platform or vessel that is unable to make for land in a reasonable time period. With no two jobs being the same, the flexibility and efficiency of these ships must be in the highest order. In addition to a variety of cargo holds, the ballast systems within the exterior of the platform supply vessels too, are designed for easy maintenance and on the fly change to accommodate needs. In addition to the flexibility of the cargo holds and ballast tanks the engines of the modern offshore vessel supply vessels are designed with efficiency in mind. Older generations of platform supply vessels have single screw engines that require constant maintenance and large amounts of fuel. However, the modern day supply/platform vessel can have two engines supporting power to two “Z-Pods” providing the optimal maneuverability and achieving the best fuel efficiency available. Moreover, some of the new platform supply vessels have helipads to provide further reach and adaptability.

Safety
If you ever see LNG ships, liquid carrying ships or fuel barges, you can easily see that the majority of them have “NO SMOKING” in bold red ink on or near the bridge. This only stresses that safety is priority number one in the maritime industry. with platform and offshore supply vessels this is no different. Some of the newest designs incorporate an unmanned engine room layout. In addition, some contractors incorporate systems that fasten cargo on deck without risking people.