Blogopmaak

The quest from Seismic research vessel to Geo-technical research vessel

Daan Gijzel • Feb 28, 2023

Only by pure focus you can turn the impossible into possible. 

A modification of a ship is a complex project which requires a lengthy and detailed preparation to be successful in the execution. A combination of a modification and a lifetime extension with limited time, only makes this process more complicated. 


In this project all complexity came together, and besides the modification and lifetime extension the project was on a very short timeline.  


The scope of the project was extensive and included, amongst others, out of: 


  • Removal of the vessel's hangar – used for seismic research, and bring the vessel back to her original PSV lay-out; 
  • Install a moonpool; 
  • Install a mezzanine deck to support the drilling operations; 
  • Install a geotechnical drilling tower, and integrate this with the ships systems; 
  • Renew the vessels power management system; 
  • Renew the vessels DPII system; 
  • Renew the vessels frequency drives. 


Based on this list already a huge project but taking the timeline in consideration, almost an impossible task.

Finally the project kicked off in July 2021 with an approved business case and prep-works started!


First things to be taken care of: basic and detailed engineering, keep class involved and selecting key suppliers for PMS, DP and FVD.


Next: selecting a shipyard capable of such a modification, streamline all similar jobs with the timeline (management order: start asap, ready jan-22) and keep all stakeholders committed to the timeline.


As you can expect with such projects, time is always your enemy and it proved to be impossible to have the project completed by jan-22. But thanks to good coordination and cooperation we have been able to have the engineering ready in time, have a yard selected and agreed on good cooperation and support, have all key-components available in time and start with the execution of the project in December 2021, even 3 weeks ahead of the projected plan.


A good job performed by the entire project team, and only made possible by pure focus on the project by all team members. Happy that I could be leading this project team with dedicated specialists!


By Daan Gijzel 09 Mar, 2023
Lauranne Shipping has hired us to deliver interim fleet management while they were in the process of selling their fleet of advanced chemical tankers and prepare the company for closure.
By Daan Gijzel 26 May, 2021
Technical Management A ship can only sail for a short time without maintenance. It will not take long before something breaks down or simply just stops. For example, fuel filters need to be cleaned on a regular base. Without doing this the engine will stop soon... Technical Management is all about deciding which maintenance has to be done when and how. HSEQ management It is nice to decide which maintenance has to be done when and how, but without a proper system in place to capture your decisions it will be more difficult for others to know what you have decided. Policies and procedures are a very useful tool to capture your decision! While you are making policies and procedures for your maintenance it will be a small step to add some safety and quality aspects in them as well. HSEQ management is about these procedures, but not in a static way. Good procedures are constantly reviewed and updated. You need to reflect back on what went well and what can be improved, these lessons learned must lead back to updates to make work more safe, smarter and better. Crewing management Okay, so you have procedures describing exactly what should be done how and when, who should do it and what the tasks and responsibilities are. But now still you need to have the people on board to execute the procedures. Crewing management is all about having the right people on board to do the job. Don’t underestimate this important segment, only the right people will make your procedures work! Procurement You can have the best procedures in place and the right people for the job, but without spares, tools, services or even provisions nothing will happen. The procurement is all about getting the right stuff on board. But not only getting it on board, it should be on board at the right time, it should have the right quality and it should have the right price. At first glance it looks quite straight forward, but imagine shipping is a global activity and continues 24/7 where only 1 thing is for sure, and that is that every operational schedule will change! Financial Management As mentioned already, all the shipmanager does is spending money from the owner. The least he could do is explain why and where the money was spent on. But next to this, a good financial administration can help the shipmanager to better understand the expenditures, identify areas for improvement and drive efficiency. Conclusion Separately the 5 aspects of shipmanagement make a lot of sense, and the combination of all of them create an understandable environment. By making improvements in one of the aspects you need to know and understand the implications for the other aspects. Without this, it is highly likely your foreseen improvement will turn out to be a headache and an inefficiency for the whole picture! Would you like to know more about this, or how we can help your organisation to improve your shipmanagement, please contact us!
By Daan Gijzel 05 May, 2021
Gijzel Shipmanagement Support is having world wide connections. These connections can be used to service all of its customers to perform inspections on site with limited traveling. Especially now with the world facing a global pandemic and traveling heavily restricted by this I strongly believe a global network of trusted and knowledgeable technicians can help every ship owner and manager to get a clear and high quality inspection report of your vessel. With its global network Gijzel Shipmanagement Support can perform inspections at the following locations with (limited) traveling. Asia Caribbean Europa India The network is expanding therefore, p lease contact us to find out how we can help you at best!
By Daan Gijzel 04 May, 2021
On request of Fugro Gijzel Shipmanagement Support has been requested to test the new Dry-dock module from the Planned Maintenance System provider they have in use. If the testing of the new module will show the added value this module has in potential Gijzel Shipmanagement will further help Fugro with the implementation and startup of this new module. Gijzel Shipmanagement Support is proud they can assist with this valuable project!
By Daan Gijzel 03 May, 2021
On request of the owner 6 scrubbers have been installed early 2020 on board of 6 VLGC's. All installation works have been done in conjunction with the 1st special survey. The project was very challenging as preparation time was short, the 6 scrubbers where from 2 different makers and the world was facing the first wave of the global Corona pandemic. The shipyard was located in Malaysia and on request of authorities the yard closed down for 4 weeks, traveling and transport of goods was not possible anymore and some project team members where stuck in the hotel for 4 weeks. Thanks to good cooperation with the shipyard, the suppliers and the project team, including the crew, the scrubbers have been installed during very challenging times with minimal delays!
Share by: