Opielok Readies to Diversify into Offshore Wind

Hamburg-based offshore supply vessel operator Opielok Offshore Carriers (OOC) is pressing on with the plan to commission the 26 meter crew transfer vessel OOC NERZ in January 2016 and make a move into the offshore wind industry.

OOC NERZ is the company’s first of four BMT Nigel Gee-designed crew transfer vessels built in compliance to German regulations and certified for the transport of personnel and dangerous goods to offshore installations.

The vessel’s passenger area features variable seating arrangements, business class recliner seats for up to 36 passengers, a full galley, lounge, a separate changing room, PPE storage, a heated and ventilated drying room, air-conditioning and low noise and vibration levels, according to OOC.

OOC NERZ has crew rest and sleeping accommodations for 24/7 operations, and further to its main preoccupation, it can additionally load 10/20 ft containers, has reefer plugs, is designed to ship dangerous goods, conduct fuel transfers, dive and ROV operations, high pressure cleaning tasks, as well as afterdark assignments.

The vessel is powered by Volvo Quad IPS drive system coupled to joystick controls and a dynamic positioning system. Safety features include a helicopter winching area on the foredeck, a helicopter hoist-able stretcher, an AED and other first aid equipment.

OOC is also currently in the process of modifying one of its 72 metre DP2 OSVs to serve offshore wind farm requirements as a Walk-2-Work, accommodation, guard and coordination vessel.

The vessel will receive a motion compensating gangway system, extended accommodation for up to 40 passengers, and an additional daughter boat for passenger and spare transfers in up to moderate weather conditions.