Everything about Fugro’s new DP2 ROV support vessel (RSV), the Fugro Aquarius, has a bit of Brazilian flair. The vessel was built in Brazil and is specifically targeted at the Brazilian market. The vessel was designed by Damen Shipyards Group and built by Wilson Sons shipyard in Guarujá near São Paulo, and its local content is more than 60%. Technology and equipment for the vessel also have been locally sourced.

Measuring 83 m (272 ft) long, the Aquarius has a deck area of 520 sq m (5,600 sq ft) and can accommodate 60 people.

The company considers the vessel, which was delivered in November 2015, as the most advanced vessel of her type built in Brazil. She is equipped with two Fugro-built 150-hp work-class ROVs and can operate in water depths up to 3,000 m (9,843 ft).

The vessel’s stern A-frame has an active heave-compensated winch system, which allows deployment of 10,000 tonnes. The helideck is suitable for medium-lift helicopters such as the Sikorsky S-92.

The Aquarius has two 1,500-kW electric azimuthing thrusters and two 750-kW electric bow thrusters for maneuvering. It can cruise at 11 knots and has a maximum speed of 13 knots. Deck equipment includes four cranes and an abandonment and recovery winch with an operational limit up to 4-m (13-ft) waves.

“Fugro Aquarius has been built specifically for the Brazilian market and is ideally suited for subsea inspection, repair and maintenance,” said Mathilde Scholtes, managing director of Fugro Brasil, in a press release. The vessel also can support subsea construction projects in Brazilian markets. It is expected to complement Fugro’s established presence and capabilities in Brazil and will help the company maintain the performance and production levels of Brazil’s oil and gas structure. It was expected to begin service in April 2016.