Kongsberg Maritime has secured a substantial contract with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) to outfit nine new Dynamic Positioning (DP) Shuttle Tankers with its integrated technology packages. These vessels, destined for Greek shipowner Tsakos Group, will be chartered by Brazilian energy logistics company Transpetro to support offshore operations in Brazil’s lucrative pre-salt oil fields. The contract underscores the growing demand for advanced maritime technologies in the offshore energy sector, particularly in regions with challenging operational environments.
Each of the nine vessels will be equipped with a comprehensive suite of Kongsberg Maritime systems, tailored to meet the complex operational profiles of shuttle tankers operating far from shore. The scope of supply includes the K-Pos DP2 system, ensuring precise station-keeping capabilities in dynamic offshore conditions. This system is critical for maintaining the vessel’s position and heading, especially in the face of strong currents, winds, and waves, which are common in offshore environments.
In addition to the DP system, Kongsberg Maritime will deliver its K-IMS Information Management System and the K-Chief Integrated Automation System. These systems provide centralized control and monitoring of vessel operations, enhancing operational efficiency and safety. The K-IMS system, in particular, is designed to streamline data management and improve decision-making processes, while the K-Chief system integrates various automation functions into a single, user-friendly interface.
To support propulsion and power management, the vessels will feature the AutoChief 600 propulsion control system. This system optimizes the vessel’s propulsion performance, reducing fuel consumption and emissions while ensuring reliable operation. The K-Gauge (CLS) tank level gauging system will also be installed to ensure accurate and reliable cargo monitoring, a crucial aspect of shuttle tanker operations.
A complete single Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) shaftline with an 8.6 m propeller is also part of the Kongsberg Maritime delivery. The CPP system allows for precise control of the vessel’s propulsion, enabling it to maintain position and maneuver effectively in offshore conditions.
Together, these systems form a fully integrated solution designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental performance across the fleet. “This contract highlights the strength of our integrated technology offering and our ability to support complex offshore operations with reliable, efficient, and future-ready solutions,” said Tommy Andree Hove, Sales Director – Advanced Offshore Units, Kongsberg Maritime. “We are proud to collaborate with SHI, Tsakos, and Transpetro on this strategically important project.”
The construction of the vessels will take place at SHI’s shipyard in South Korea, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. This project is not just a significant win for Kongsberg Maritime but also a testament to the growing collaboration between European and Asian maritime industries. It also highlights the increasing importance of advanced technologies in the offshore energy sector, particularly in regions with challenging operational environments.
The news of this contract is likely to spark further interest in the development and deployment of advanced maritime technologies. As the offshore energy sector continues to evolve, the demand for reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions is expected to grow. This project could set a new benchmark for the integration of advanced technologies in shuttle tanker operations, paving the way for similar developments in the future.
Moreover, the collaboration between Kongsberg Maritime, Samsung Heavy Industries, Tsakos Group, and Transpetro demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships in driving innovation and progress in the maritime industry. As these vessels are set to support operations in Brazil’s pre-salt oil fields, the success of this project could have significant implications for the development of similar fields worldwide.
In the broader context, this contract could also influence the direction of maritime technology development. The integration of advanced systems like the K-Pos DP2, K-IMS, and K-Chief could become a standard for newbuild vessels, particularly those operating in challenging offshore environments. This could lead to a more widespread adoption of these technologies, further enhancing the safety, efficiency, and environmental performance of the global maritime fleet.
In conclusion, the contract between Kongsberg Maritime and Samsung Heavy Industries for the supply of integrated technology packages for nine new DP Shuttle Tankers is a significant development in the maritime industry. It underscores the growing demand for advanced technologies in the offshore energy sector and highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in driving innovation. As the vessels are set to support operations in Brazil’s pre-salt oil fields, the success of this project could have far-reaching implications for the global maritime industry.