Offshore oil and gas fields in the Persian Gulf depend on support vessels: the Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) carries provisions and equipment, the Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessel (AHTS) moves rig anchors, and the Crew Boat transfers personnel. If you plan to buy, charter or invest in this sector, you need to know these three types well.
Platform Supply Vessel (PSV)
A Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) has a large aft deck for carrying pipe, containers and equipment, and tanks below deck for water, fuel, drilling mud and cement. The main criteria for assessing one are deck capacity (square metres and tonnes), the number and type of tanks, and the Dynamic Positioning (DP) system. When you read listings, check the year built and the Class status: oil companies chartering a vessel usually ask for a maximum age and a valid Class Certificate.
Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessel (AHTS)
This vessel combines a powerful tug with a supply vessel. It has a large winch and a stern roller for hauling and releasing the anchors of drilling rigs, and it needs high Bollard Pull to tow a rig. The price and charter hire of an AHTS usually depend on Bollard Pull, winch capacity and DP. The Bollard Pull figure should be backed by a documented test, and you should not confuse it with engine power (BHP or kW). For a better understanding of this figure, see our tugboat guide.
Crew Boat
A Crew Boat is a fast vessel that moves personnel between shore and platform, and it usually has an aluminium hull and several engines. Passenger capacity, speed, fuel consumption, and safety and Class certificates all matter. Smaller crew boats are also used on coastal projects.
Buy or charter in the offshore sector?
Offshore contracts are often long term, with a daily hire rate, so a Time Charter is the dominant model, and owners can usually expect a relatively predictable income from it. Because demand follows the cycle of oil and gas projects, investing in these vessels is covered separately in our article on investing in a commercial fleet.
Browse the supply and support vessels currently available on Shipo Market. If you have a vessel to sell or charter out, list it for free, or contact the team at Shipo Market and Pooria Adli directly.