The Bourbon Pearl, a MPSV in floatel mode

With MPSVs, the idea of a versatile vessel takes on a whole new meaning. Designed for subsea operations, the Bourbon Pearl put on its floatel hat for BP, which is operating oil and gas fields off of Port of Spain, the Trinidadian capital. Mauricio Valencia, Contracts Manager, takes us on board.

In 2011, BOURBON and BP officialized a partnership regarding the Caribbean zone. Two years later, a contract was signed for 5 years (with extensions possible over 2 years), planning for the provision of 5 vessels for BP Trinidad operations. Coming straight from Norway, the Bourbon Pearl has been one of these vessels since mid-2016. A former PSV transformed into a MPSV, it is now at work as a floating hotel, or floatel, for personnel working on the Amherstia platform, 140 nautical miles from Port of Spain. "Our 50 guests enjoy a full-comfort environment. They sleep, eat, watch TV, or surf the Internet in the evening, after a long workday. Rotations take place every 2 weeks," Mauricio Valencia explains.

Dedicated to subsea operations, the Bourbon Pearl is equipped to accommodate a large number of personnel with ease: 31 cabins (for 1 to 6 people), a laundry room, infirmary, and a galley.

safety, an everyday priority 

In order to support BP personnel on a day-to-day basis in Trinidad-and-Tobago, BOURBON dispatched its most competent crew. At the controls, are the captain and his 24 teammates. Their mission: ensuring the safety of all on board, "especially when they cross the gangway connecting the Pearl to the platform, the walk-to-work" Mauricio Valencia adds.

Our Contracts Manager ensured the application of OSM (Operational Safety Management) procedures in advance of the project. But for the on-board crew, safety remains an everyday priority. "A safety briefing is held every morning. From the positioning of the gangway to crossing it, in one direction as well as the other, our teams demonstrate vigilance at every moment," he says, adding: "I cannot talk about this mission without mentioning the exemplary professionalism of the on-board crew."

As for the Bourbon Pearl, it is the right vessel for the job. "Thanks to its cutting edge dynamic positioning system, it is capable of maintaining position for long periods and remaining stable at important moments, like the walk-to-work," concludes Mauricio Valencia.