First Brazilian drydocking for fast crew supplier Aqua Helix
The FCS Aqua Helix in drydock at Brazil’s Wilson Sons (Source: Wilson Sons)
Brazilian ship repairer and marine services supplier Wilson Sons has become the country’s first shipyard to successfully drydock and repair a fast crew supplier (FCS) vessel at its shipyard in Guaruja, in Sâo Paulo state. The vessel in question is CMM Offshore’s FCS Aqua Helix, a 2021-built FCS 70 design from Damen Shipyards, which underwent scheduled maintenance in Brazil for the first time.
The 74m vessel operates out of Aracaju, in Sergipe state, transporting up to 120 workers to offshore drilling rigs and energy production installations in the Sergipe-Hagoas basin, as an economic alternative to using helicopters. Aqua Helix, with a beam of 11m, can transfer a greater number of people over longer distances, resulting in lower costs and greater operating efficiency.
The FCS’s ability to operate on biodiesel reflects CMM Offshore’s commitment to environmental sustainability, with its lightweight aluminium superstructure and hull; this 105gt vessel can reach a maximum speed of 40 knots.
Aqua Helix requires careful handling when drydocking to guarantee the integrity of the vessel’s structure and materials. During the FCS’ stay at Wilson Sons work undertaken included structural repairs, hull treatment and painting.
Between 2022 and 2023, drydockings at Wilson Sons’ Guaruja shipyard increased by 33%. The company expects this level of growth to continue during 2024.
