In this guide, we look at exactly what platform supply vessels (PSVs) are, what they are used for, and what makes them such an important part of the maritime industry.
Platform supply vessels (PSVs) are a key vessel type for offshore industries. In simple terms, you can think of PSVs as a type of support ship. They are specially designed to provide logistic support for oil, gas, wind, and other offshore installations. They are primarily used to transport essential equipment, supplies, and crew to and from offshore projects, which are needed for their safe, efficient, and effective construction, operation, and maintenance.
PSVs are often custom-built to meet specific operational needs but tend to all share a large open deck area. This part of their design is intentional, with this space used to store supplies and equipment and provide efficient loading and offloading. PSVs belong to the wider vessel category of offshore vessels (OSVs); a group which also includes Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) and Construction Support Offshore Vessels (CSOVs).
What is the role of PSVs in offshore operations?
In order to understand how crucial PSVs are in offshore operations, we need to understand the role of PSVs in supporting offshore oil, wind, and gas platforms. PSVs play two key roles in offshore operations, which are:
- Transporting cargo
PSVs are designed to transport all the necessary supplies from the on-shore land base to the offshore platform (and back again!) as needed. Cargoes are either moved on the ship’s main deck or inside its tanks below deck. These cargoes typically include fuel, water, and chemicals used during construction, as well as chemicals and waste products that have been used on the platform and need to be returned to shore for recycling or disposal. - Operational support
PSVs transport common tools and specialist equipment that support safe operations on the offshore platform and enable the crew to minimise damage should an incident occur. These can include things like: - Firefighting equipment in case of a fire on the platform
- Oil containment and recovery equipment in case of an oil spill at sea
- Equipment to receive drill cuttings
Types of supplies transported by PSV
As discussed above, one of the key roles of PSVs is to transport various cargoes to and from the offshore platform. Let’s look at some of the types of supplies commonly transported by PSVs. These include:
- Fuel
- Drilling mud
- Pulverised cement
- Common and speciality tools
- Chemicals used in the drilling process
- Food and provisions for crew
- Water for use by the crew
- Personnel who are working offshore
- Heavy structural equipment and small structural components
What are the challenges faced by PSVs?
The nature of the work that PSVs perform mean they face several challenges during operations, such as:
Severe weather conditions
Offshore platforms tend to be located in areas which experience harsh weather conditions (e.g. high winds, extreme cold, large storms). While harsh weather conditions can undoubtedly present a challenge, PSVs can be specially equipped to overcome this with features such as:
- Weather monitoring systems to predict and respond to storms
- Hulls and propulsion systems designed to operate in extreme icy conditions
- Radar and echo sounders to improve visibility and avoid obstacles in poor weather (e.g fog and heavy rain)
- Dynamic positioning (DP) – a computerised system that uses the vessel’s thrusters and propellers to keep the ship in position for safe loading and offloading during high winds and high waves
The need for precise navigation
By their very nature, the offshore environments in which PSVs operate are hazardous for ships. Very precise navigation is needed to avoid obstacles, prevent chemical/oil spills, collect waste materials safely, ensure the safety of crew, and access the specific spots where the natural resources are located. PSVs are equipped with various features, which help to address the need for precise navigation, such as:
- DP allows the PSV to maintain a fixed position during deepwater drilling and construction, helping to improve efficiency, avoid the risk of anchor drag, and ensuring a more stable environment in which crew can work safely
- Advanced GPS systems enable the safe navigation of PSVs in remote offshore environments, helping to plan routes and avoid obstacles
How can Clarksons support PSV operations?
Clarksons has the specialist skills and experience to support all elements of PSV operations in your business. The expert team operates across all offshore segments, offering commercial services and advisory solutions that ensure safe and efficient PSV operations for your offshore projects. Plus, our dedicated offshore analysts have access to detailed data and insight, meaning they can advise clients on how to understand industry trends, identify the potential for growth and spot emerging opportunities. With shipbrokers in 12 global offices, Clarksons provides PSV support across all markets around the world and has the size, resources, and network to take on PSV project requirements of all sizes and levels of complexity.
