Siemens supplies electric-propulsion and automation package for two deep-sea survey vessels

China Oilfield Services Limited is part of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), a leading provider of integrated oilfield services for the offshore market. Up to now, COSL’s focus was on exploration activities in coastal waters. With the new vessels, the company will extend its working capability to deep-sea activities.

The seismic research vessel will boast all-welded and double-hull steel construction, and will be one of the largest of its kind with an electrical propulsion system. It is designed to tow a total of 12 streamer cables, each 8,000 meters in length. By organizing the streamers 100 meters apart from one another, the ship’s overall operating width will extend to 1,200 meters. Operating a vessel under towing mode puts a high amount of strain on the drive and control technology. For this reason, the vessel is equipped with twin diesel-electric, variable-speed propulsion systems from Siemens, which enable exact dosing of the propulsion speed – even at high towing forces. Two sets of controllable pitch propellers and two streamlined hanging flap rudders arranged in the stern ensure precise control. One set of bow thrusters and one set of retractable azimuth thrusters will be arranged in the fore part of the vessel. Further advantages of the electrical drive system in comparison to conventional drives are lower noise levels and better fuel consumption.

The main activities of the deepwater engineering vessel will be geophysical and seismic surveys, seabed sampling and operation of remote operating vehicles. The vessel will have an all-welded and double-hull steel construction and will also be equipped with electrical propulsion from Siemens. Two sets of azimuth propulsion propellers are in the stern, and two sets of bow tunnel thrusters and one set of retractable azimuth thrusters are arranged in the fore part of the vessel.

Siemens is also delivering the main switchboard and power-management system, and is also responsible for system engineering and project management. The automation system Siship Imac will take care of all on-board control, monitoring and alarm tasks. All of the employed systems and components are part of the Siship solution platform for civil ships. This means that both research vessels have an overall integrated solution, which offers a high degree of reliability, availability and stability. Even after delivery, Siemens will be able to provide comprehensive support as part of its life-cycle management program.

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the world's leading supplier of production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies as well as comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six Divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. With around 222,000 employees worldwide Siemens Industry posted in fiscal year 2008 a profit of EUR3.86 billion with revenues totaling EUR38 billion. www.siemens.com/industry

With the business activities of Siemens VAI Metal Technologies, (Linz, Austria), Siemens Water Technologies (Warrendale, Pa., U.S.A.), and Industry Technologies, (Erlangen, Germany), the Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world's leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities. Using its own products, systems and process technologies, Industry Solutions develops and builds plants for end customers, commissions them and provides support during their entire life cycle. With around 31,000 employees worldwide Siemens Industry Solutions achieved an order intake of EUR 8.4 billon in fiscal year 2008 (preliminary and unaudited).