About the project

Proper Marine – now Longitude Brazil – led the complete project to convert PSV (Platform Supply Vessel) vessels into OTSV (Offshore Support Vessel) to fulfil contracts with Petrobras in the coming years. 

The team distinguished themselves by completing two of the three globally recognized projects for different shipowners.

The Belov Mares, originally a UT 771 WP PSV model with a capacity of 4,500 tons, manufactured by Rolls-Royce and acquired new from the Cosco shipyard, was converted into an OTSV in 2023.

This conversion included the installation of two hydraulic reels capable of storing 400 meters of offloading hoses each, along with other specialized equipment.

Challenges 

The conversion of the Belov Mares represented a significant challenge due to its specialization and the need to meet the specific demands of the Brazilian market.

The conversion process involved well-defined steps, from dismantling existing equipment to installing new systems, such as hydraulic reels.

Modifications to the vessel’s structure were essential to ensure stability during offshore operations. Rigorous testing and a commissioning process were carried out to certify the vessel’s readiness for its new roles.

The results 

With the completion of the conversion of the PSV Belov Mares into an OTSV, Brazil now has its first OTSV designed and converted in the country, and also the first to fly the Brazilian flag after nationalization.

We expect Belov Mares to be highly efficient and capable, ready to meet the demands of the maritime industry and contribute to the success of Petrobras’ operations.