Malpe: A Geo Technical Research Vessel (GTRV) “FUGRO SCOUT” constructed by Tebma Shipyards Ltd (TSL), was flagged off for its first journey to Mangaluru from Malpe shipyard on 23 February 2015.
FUGRO SCOUT is a highly technical specialized vessel, it is entirely made in India vessel has deigned to meet the competence of any foreign vessel. The vessel will be used for oilrigs and soil samples for research over the natural gas available in the deep ocean.
The Vessel is a mini-drill ship capable of drawing soil samples up to 3 Kilometers below sea bed and constructed in accordance with the latest rules and regulations of Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and meeting latest International rules governed by International Maritime Organization (IMO). The vessel can be used in any ocean and could work in any temperatures, under the international manufacturing standard.
The vessel is powered by Diesel electrical propulsion systems driven by most modern Active Front end Drives for best fuel efficient operation. It is equipped with a redundant dynamic positioning station-holding capability (DP 2) symbolizing fail safe operation and is built to Comfort Class COMF-V (3) standards with quarters for up to 60 personnel, an indication very high crew comforts.
The ship has three floors with 37 cabins. Engine room is accommodated with four generators – 2000 kilowatts power. Completely air conditioned and computerized control rooms. European format kitchen with cold storage is attractive.
Earlier a GTRV vessel done by Tebma Shipyards Ltd (TEBMA) has been awarded as the ‘Best Research Vessel of 2014’ by Work Boat World, Australia a leading Industry Magazine.
The navigation bridge is ergonomically designed over a centrally located moon pool; the vessel has automated pipe and tool handling equipment to promote safe drilling floor operations for Sea bed Sampling & Testing. A large soil laboratory provides a unique open-plan working environment for the geo-technicians.
While speaking to Media T N Shenoy said that to build the ship 250 to 300 men had to work for 18 months. It is s indeed a feather in the cap for TEBMA to make the slogan “Make in India”. The ship is registered in Panama and is owned by FURGO.
The FURGO project director Graeme Alexander said that the company has invested 120 million US $ on the project (for two ships) and the 60 million US $ on the particular ship. The ship from Mangalore will go to Singapore and Australia; however it will be decided by the owner once it is handed over to him.
