Brazil buys new submarine rescue ship

After completing negotiations on 23 October that began months ago, the Brazilian Navy has acquired the offshore support vessel DSV Adams Challenge to replace its current submarine rescue ship, NSS Felinto Perry (K-11).

Purchased from Adams Offshore WLL, a firm registered in Bahrain, the ship was built and completed in 2009 at the Balenciaga Shipyard in Spain and registered in the United Kingdom. It is 85.7 m long, has a gross tonnage of 4,098 tonnes, and is equipped to perform diving support, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) support, survey support, cable laying, and offshore construction and maintenance.

A Brazilian Navy crew consisting of 35 officers and specialists flew in late October to Abu Dhabi, where the vessel is moored, to embark on a familiarisation and training period.

The powerplant of Adams Challenge is diesel-electric, incorporating two Wärtsilä 8L26 diesels with a combined 10,400 kW power output as the main engines. Propulsion includes a single retractable azimuth thruster and two tunnel azimuth thrusters, enabling precise positioning while at sea.

Fitted with a flight deck to accommodate a 10-tonne helicopter, the ship has a double-skinned moon pool amidships and opens from deck to bottom to facilitate underwater operations such as rescuing submarine crews or lifting objects from the sea bed.

The ship’s equipment includes a main crane capable of lifting 100 tonnes and two auxiliary cranes able to lift 15 tonnes and 7 tonnes, respectively, as well as a number of winches.

Onboard accommodation is for up to 101 personnel, including a basic crew of 20, with space allowing for up to 200 people in case of emergency.

The arrival of the vessel in Brazil is scheduled for December.