03 Sep Emergency response vessel sets bar high

A newbuild emergency response vessel is making waves as it sets the bar high for its capabilities within this sector.

Kuwait Oil Co’s KOC Ai Zour was built by Uzmar’s Shipyard in Turkey and to Robert Allan Ltd’s (RAL) design – a Canadian naval architect – and to Lloyd’s Register class rules. The 1,865gt vessel is multipurpose – used for oil recovery, emergency towage, pollution control as well as offshore fire fighting.

Not only is it the largest vessel built in Turkey to RAL’s design but it is also the most capable vessel that Kuwait Oil Co has invested in yet. It is classed A1 for fire-fighting, and when it’s not in use for oil recovery it is more than capable of providing off shore support.

Its onboard fire fighting system includes a pump and two monitors on the wheelhouse, enabling it to supply 2,400 m3 an hour of water and foam in spray form. KOC Ai Zour’s tanks can hold a total of 7.2m3 of fire-fighting foam onboard.

The RAL design of the hullform and DP system have offshore operations in mind, as well as resilient positioning when used in response to an emergency. Anti-roll tanks help to ensure the best possible seakeeping behaviour, while the vessel is on stand-by at sea for extended periods of time.

The vessel also features space onboard to house a fast tender, a self-propelled rescue boat and davits launch and recovery.