Conoship develops a fuel-efficient Dive Support Vessel for Zamil Offshore, designed to access shallow-water sites without compromising offshore capability
Zamil Offshore has partnered with Conoship International on the design of a new Dive Support Vessel (DSV) featuring a 2.5-metre draft, combining shallow-water access with DP2, diving and offshore lifting capabilities.
The vessel has been developed to address the operational challenges faced by offshore operators working in shallow waters, particularly in the Gulf Region, where the draft of conventional DSVs can restrict access to subsea infrastructure.
Zamil Offshore contracted Conoship International to undertake the vessel’s Concept and Basic Design, with the objective of developing a cost-effective, fuel-efficient DSV without compromising operational capability.
Designing a DSV with a limited draft requires close attention to structural weight, stability, and resistance. Carefully balancing these aspects resulted in a vessel that combines low fuel consumption with a high level of operational performance and versatility.
Conoship mainly focused on hull line optimization and spatial configuration to maintain operational standards:
- Hull Line Optimizations: CFD analysis and tank testing have been applied to minimize hull resistance and optimized flow to the propulsion gear.
- Deck and Equipment Layout: The versatile design features a clear working deck of 360 m2 that has been reinforced for the carriage of heavy deck cargo. A knuckle boom crane with a reach of 22 m and 20 ton load capacity enables offshore lifting operations. Dive support capabilities are centred around a dedicated diving deck and control room featuring equipment including LARS, ROV and dive support systems.
- Operational Capabilities: Station keeping can be achieved by the class 2 Dynamic Positioning system or by twin spud-poles in shallow draft scenarios. Adding versatility, 5 dedicated dry bulk tanks allow supply of cargo to offshore operations.
- Fuel Efficiency: Lower hull resistance and optimized engine load distribution reduce fuel consumption per operational hour compared to standard alternatives.
Zamil Offshore required a modern, highly specialized asset to support subsea infrastructure operations, including maintenance for regional oil and gas installation. Rather than adapting an ‘off the shelf’ design, Zamil sought a state-of-the-art vessel built around low fuel consumption, efficient maintenance, and high operational reliability.
To meet these requirements for subsea infrastructure work, Conoship designed a light-weight hull structure and optimized hull shape giving unique performance in shallow waters. Combined with an efficient diesel-electric propulsion arrangement for DP operations, the vessel burns less fuel. This gives Zamil a specialized asset that cuts daily operational costs and lowers emissions without sacrificing capability.
The design complies with ABS Class rules and the SPS Code. This confirms that specialized operational capabilities can be integrated into a shallow draft profile. Conoship’s scope covered the full Concept and Basic Design packages, delivering a complete engineering package suited for yard selection and construction.
This collaboration reinforces Conoship’s experience in custom naval architecture and specialised offshore vessel engineering.
Dive Support Vessel Specifications
- Length: 76.20 m
- Beam: 17.00 m
- Draft maximum: 2.50 m
- Deadweight: approx.. 950 tons
- Dynamic positioning: DP class 2
- Accommodation capacity: 76 persons
- Propulsion: 2 x Azimuth thruster
- Deck equipment: 22m – 20 t knuckle-boom crane
- Dive equipment: LARS, ROV, and dive support systems
