Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels (AHTS)

An Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel is a multifunctional maritime powerhouse, designed to tackle a broad spectrum of tasks within the offshore industry. At their core, these vessels are pivotal in deploying, retrieving, and managing anchors for oil rigs, playing a critical role in the secure positioning and mobility of these colossal structures. Beyond their primary function of anchor handling, AHTS vessels serve as a conduit for transporting supplies, goods, equipment, and personnel to and from offshore drilling rigs or production platforms, effectively acting as the operational lifeline for these isolated environments.

Their construction includes powerful engines and winches, equipping them with the necessary muscle to tow drilling rigs and assist in their installation or relocation, showcasing their versatility and strength. Furthermore, AHTS vessels often extend their capabilities to emergency response, including firefighting and oil spill recovery, highlighting their indispensable role in maintaining safety and environmental standards in offshore operations.

Why Charter an AHTS Vessel?

Chartering an Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel represents a strategic move for entities engaged in the offshore sector, particularly those involved in offshore construction, oil exploration, and maritime operations demanding a high degree of flexibility and strength. These vessels excel in offshore construction support, offering pivotal services like towing, anchor handling, and the transport of supplies. For instance, AHTS vessels have been pivotal in the installation of wind turbines off the coast of Scotland, showcasing their ability to operate in challenging sea conditions and contribute significantly to renewable energy projects.

In the realm of towing and anchor handling for oil rigs, AHTS vessels have demonstrated remarkable efficiency improvements and cost savings. A case study from the North Sea operations reveals that using AHTS vessels for anchor handling tasks reduced the operational time by up to 30%, significantly lowering the costs associated with rig positioning. For supply duties, AHTS vessels are uniquely equipped to transport a wide array of supplies, from technical equipment to provisions, ensuring the continuous operation of offshore platforms.

A notable example includes the timely delivery of critical drilling equipment to a platform in the Gulf of Mexico, underlining the vessel’s crucial role in avoiding operational downtimes. Furthermore, AHTS vessels play an indispensable role in emergency response and rescue operations. They are equipped with advanced firefighting systems and pollution control gear to effectively address and mitigate incidents at sea.

One remarkable instance involved an AHTS vessel extinguishing a fire on an oil rig off the coast of Brazil, showcasing their capability to provide immediate response and prevent potential environmental disasters.

What to consider when chartering an AHTS vessel

When embarking on the charter of an Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel, it’s essential to take into account a variety of critical factors to ensure the vessel is a perfect match for the unique requirements of your offshore operations. By carefully considering the following aspects, you can select an AHTS vessel that is ideally suited to the demands and challenges of your offshore projects, ensuring a successful and efficient charter.

Vessel size and capacity

Vessel size and capacity are paramount when matching an AHTS vessel to your project’s needs. Larger vessels boast the ability to carry more supplies, equipment, and personnel, making them ideal for substantial offshore operations. Choosing an appropriately sized vessel is crucial for maximizing efficiency and ensuring the project’s logistical needs are met.

Bollard pull rating

The bollard pull rating is a critical measure of a vessel’s towing and anchor handling capabilities. A higher bollard pull rating signifies a more powerful vessel, capable of undertaking rigorous tasks such as relocating heavy rigs or deploying large anchors. This rating is essential for assessing whether a vessel can meet the demands of specific offshore activities.

Deck cargo space

Deck cargo space is vital for determining the volume of materials and supplies an AHTS vessel can transport. Adequate deck space is necessary for operations that require transporting large amounts of cargo, ensuring everything needed for an offshore project can be delivered efficiently in fewer trips.

Equipment and capabilities

The equipment and capabilities of an AHTS vessel, such as advanced winches, cranes, and other specialized machinery, are crucial for a wide range of operations. This equipment enables the vessel to perform complex tasks, from precise anchor handling to delivering essential supplies and executing emergency responses.

Dynamic positioning systems

Dynamic positioning systems empower an AHTS vessel to maintain its position with high accuracy, even under adverse weather conditions or in strong currents. This feature is indispensable for operations that demand precise vessel placement, like supporting drilling activities or subsea construction.

Winches and cranes

The capacity and functionality of winches and cranes on an AHTS vessel are fundamental for efficiently handling anchors, towing operations, and lifting heavy loads. The performance of these systems directly influences the vessel’s ability to safely and effectively fulfill its operational roles.

Crew expertise and experience

Crew expertise and experience are invaluable assets for the successful operation of an AHTS vessel. Experienced personnel are adept at navigating challenging maritime environments, operating complex onboard equipment, and managing unforeseen situations, ensuring operational safety and success.

Specialized training and certifications

Specialized training and certifications are essential for preparing the crew to handle the unique challenges of offshore operations. Adherence to industry standards and regulatory compliance is critical for maintaining operational integrity and safety, underscoring the importance of having a crew that is well-trained and certified.

How to find AHTS vessels for charter

Finding the right Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel for charter requires exploring various avenues to identify a vessel that aligns with both operational needs and budget. Here are some strategies:

Maritime charter services

Reputable maritime charter services such as Clarkson PLC and Maersk Supply Service offer extensive fleets of AHTS vessels. These services distinguish themselves through personalized customer service, a wide range of vessel options, and deep industry expertise, ensuring clients find vessels that precisely meet their project requirements.

Online maritime marketplaces

Online platforms, such as chartership.com have revolutionized the process of chartering AHTS vessels by providing detailed listings, comprehensive vessel specifications, and user-friendly comparison tools.

Industry trade shows and conferences

Events such as Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) and Nor-Shipping provide opportunities to meet with vessel owners, charter service providers, and industry experts. These gatherings are ideal for networking, discovering the latest industry trends, and discussing charter needs directly with service providers. By leveraging these strategies, charterers can effectively locate and secure AHTS vessels that best fit their offshore project requirements, ensuring a successful and efficient chartering experience.

What are the costs involved in chartering an AHTS vessel?

Chartering an Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel encompasses a variety of costs that are pivotal for ensuring a cost-effective operation. A thorough understanding of these costs is essential for effective budgeting and planning of offshore operations.

Charter rate

The charter rate forms the bedrock of the costs associated with chartering an AHTS vessel. This rate is a reflection of the vessel’s capabilities, its condition, and the prevailing market conditions. It’s negotiated based on a comprehensive evaluation of the vessel’s features, the duration of the charter, and the specific operational demands of the project, making it a critical factor in the overall financial planning of offshore operations.

Daily rate vs. project-based rate

Chartering costs can be structured around either a daily rate or a project-based rate. The daily rate applies to the use of the vessel on a per-day basis, offering flexibility for short-term projects or those with uncertain timelines. The project-based rate, on the other hand, is a lump sum agreed for the complete duration of a project, providing a cost-effective solution for longer-term projects by offering financial predictability.

Fuel costs

Fuel costs stand as a significant variable expense, directly influenced by the vessel’s operational efficiency and the current market price of fuel. These costs are contingent on the operational scope and intensity of the vessel’s use, making them a crucial consideration in operational budgeting.

Crew and maintenance expenses

Crew and maintenance expenses cover the salaries of the professional crew needed to operate the vessel and the costs associated with its upkeep to ensure it remains in prime condition for safe and efficient operations. These expenses are pivotal for maintaining operational integrity and compliance with maritime regulations. To provide a more detailed breakdown and enhance the understanding of the costs involved in chartering an AHTS vessel, a markdown table is introduced below:

What are the contractual considerations for chartering an AHTS vessel?

When entering into a charter agreement for an Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel, it’s essential to navigate the contractual framework with precision to ensure a fair and beneficial arrangement for both the charterer and the vessel owner. At the heart of this arrangement lies the charter party agreement, a comprehensive document that outlines the terms, conditions, and responsibilities of each party. Key clauses within this agreement should be meticulously reviewed and negotiated, particularly those covering the duration of the charter, which can vary from short-term projects to long-term operations.

Equally important are the liability and insurance requirements stipulated in the contract. These should provide exhaustive coverage for the vessel, its crew, and any third-party liabilities that might arise during the charter period. This includes hull and machinery insurance for physical damages to the vessel itself and Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance, covering a broad spectrum of liabilities, such as environmental damage and injuries.

Thoroughly understanding and negotiating these aspects of the contract is crucial for protecting the interests of both parties and ensuring a seamless charter experience.

How to prepare for the charter period

Preparing for the charter period of an Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel is a multifaceted process that demands meticulous planning and attention to detail. This phase is critical for ensuring the venture’s success and operational efficiency. The preparation involves several key steps:

Define operational requirements

Before chartering an AHTS vessel, it’s essential to define the operational requirements clearly. This step involves creating a checklist that covers:

• Specific tasks and objectives the vessel needs to accomplish.
• Expected weather conditions and how they might impact operations.
• Logistical challenges, such as remote location access or supply chain considerations.

This checklist serves as a guide for selecting a vessel equipped with the necessary capabilities to meet these demands, ensuring the project’s needs are perfectly aligned with the vessel’s features.

Inspect the vessel

Inspecting the vessel thoroughly before chartering is crucial. Focus areas during the inspection should include:

• The condition of critical equipment, ensuring everything is in working order.
• Compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• The overall seaworthiness of the vessel.

A pre-charter survey and condition report should be conducted to evaluate the vessel’s current condition, highlighting its suitability for the intended operations and identifying any potential issues that could affect performance during the charter.

Arrange necessary permits and documentation

Ensuring that all necessary permits and documentation are in place is vital for the smooth execution of operations. This includes:

• Obtaining port clearances and operational licenses required for the vessel to perform its duties legally.
• Ensuring compliance with both international and local maritime regulations.
• Securing any project-specific permits or approvals needed for the operations to be conducted.

By meticulously undertaking these preparatory actions, charterers can lay the groundwork for a productive and seamless charter period, leveraging the capabilities of the AHTS vessel to achieve their offshore project goals efficiently and effectively.