UltraJet UJ575 Powers Diving Vessel Sistac Esperança

Having provided services to the offshore industry since 1995 Sistac Sistemas de Acesso S/A saw the opportunity to provide an offshore dive operation centre and proceeded to commission a new Offshore Dive Support Vessel. 

Designed by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro this 82 ft aluminum dive support vessel is unique in its design. The aluminum semi-planning hull design matches load capacity to fuel consumption at excellent speed. The load capacity is needed to carry all equipment and fuel on board. The vessel cruises at 11 knots consuming 185 l/h. The increased fuel efficiency allows it to spend more time at diving sites, with the waterjet propulsion system providing ultimate control for variable loads and sea conditions, at even lower fuel consumption rates.

The Sistac Esperança was built by Seasafe Barcos Manufaturados, a specialist aluminum boat builder based in Angra dos Reis, Brazil. It is fitted with all the necessary gear for offshore diving, including a decompression chamber and dive-bell which is launched from the transom by an A-frame crane.  Accommodation includes four cabins for four crew or passengers in each.

With an onboard diving crew of 10, the Sistac Esperança is also equipped to carry out ROV operations. From the onboard dive control room, the dive supervisor has total control over both the divers and ROV. The vessel is capable of operating for 15 days, 200 miles off the coast, without the need of external supply. Electrical power is supplied by a pair of Caterpillar C9 175 kW generators. Fresh water is produced on board at 1400gpd rate in a reverse osmosis water-maker.

The craft has a maximum displacement of 100 tonne when fully loaded.  Powered by twin Caterpillar 3142E engines rated 634 kW (850 bhp) at 2300 rpm coupled to twin UltraJet 575 waterjets via  ZF550 1.743:1 gearboxes, the craft has a top speed of 14 knots and a cruising speed of 11 knots.

Fitted with twin UltraJet 575 waterjets and Ultra Dynamics’ JetMaster control system the craft is capable of maneuvering close to the oil rigs and keep its position while divers are in the water, without the risks of regular propulsion systems.  The maneuvering system is completed with a Vetus 20kW hydraulic bow-thruster.  The remote helm unit is equipped with a JetMaster and bow-thruster controls, allowing the commander to control the vessel from outside the bridge, anywhere on board, providing always the best view of the vessel for more accurate maneuvers. 

The Sistac Esperança was delivered to Sistac on 28 August 2010, starting a new fleet of offshore vessels that will be in service in the Brazilian Campos Basin.

Vessel Specifications:
Designer    Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
In Service to    Sistac Sistemas de Acesso S/A, Brazil
Builder    SeaSafe Barcos Manufacturados S/A
Naval Architect    Daniel Paschoal Cepollina
Class society    RBNA – Registro Brasileiro de Navios e Aeronaves
Class notation     A1, O1, 5, Special Services, M1
Vessel type    Dive Support Vessel
Hull type    Semi- planing Monohull
Construction    Aluminum
Length, o.a.    82 ft
Beam    21 ft
Molded depth    10.5 ft
Draught    4.5 ft
Displacement    Light weight 70 ton, fully loaded 100 ton
Propulsion    Twin UltraJet 575
Control system    Two UltraJet JetMaster, one main and one remote and a Eletronic Helm
Engines    Twin Caterpillar 3412E 850 bhp @ 2300 rpm
Speed    14 knots
Range    600 miles
Fuel    21,000 litres
Crew and Passengers    7 Crew/11 Passengers
Decompression Chamber    Sistac 50m depth – certified
Dive Bel    Sistac 164 ft depth